May 16, 2012
by The OJBG Team
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The Limelight: JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound @ Black Cat

By: Cristina

As it says on their website, “What does post-punk soul look like? It looks like JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound.” And it really does.

JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound, or JCBUS, consists of lead singer JC Brooks, guitarist Billy Bungeroth, drummer Kevin Marks, keyboardist Andy Rosenstein, and bassist Ben Taylor. Recently, they played eight shows at South by Southwest (SXSW) 2012 and tonight, they are coming to DC for one night only at Black Cat.

I only needed to watch/listen to JCBUS’s energetic soul power reworking of Wilco’s classic “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart” for me to love the sound of this group . The voice and style of the track makes me think of James Brown or The Blues Brothers, but the group has their own unique R&B/Soul sound. Check it out here: “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart” [Wilco] by JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound.

For more information about the event, look here, and for more about JCBUS, check out their website.

Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 2000

$10 Adv/ $12 DOS Backstage / Doors at 8:00

You can buy tickets here.

May 14, 2012
by The OJBG Team
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“But, we saved Community”… “Did we?”

by Will

“Six seasons and a movie” may have just turned into “four and a eulogy” thanks to everyone’s favorite fourth placed network, NBC. The “six seasons and a movie” phrase has been an inside joke, rallying cry, and twitter hashtag for the large amount of passionate Community fans who became very concerned that their favorite show was in danger of cancellation after NBC pulled it off the midseason schedule, late last year. Fans quickly came together via sites like Reddit, and organized Twitter assaults, flash mobs, and felt evil goatee mail in campaigns, amongst other tactics to let NBC know how much they wanted to see Community come back for a fourth season. NBC listened, and last Thursday night, while many fans were watching the episode “Curriculum Unavailable” it was announced that Community was picked up for a 13 episode season, due to air in the fall. Short order, but cool, whatever, it’s something.

All is happy in Greendale, right?

…

RIGHT?!

Well, not so fast. Let’s take a look at NBC’s Thursday night line-up for the fall: 30 Rock, Up all Night, The Office, Parks and Recreation. It could be on Wednesday, right? That won’t be so bad, hell, it won’t have to go up against Big Bang Theory anymore. Animal Practice, Guys With Kids, WHAT ARE THESE SHOWS?! There’s only one more realistic possibility left… Friday

8:00pm Whitney, 8:30pm Community… oh god, why? Now, whether you like Troy or Abed more, there’s one of two possible reactions to this, you can begin to relentlessly cry out “My emotions!” or look frantically around the room, asking anyone who is near “Guys, I need help reacting to something.” Why am I being so dramatic? Well, ask fans of Firefly about how they felt in regards to the Friday night timeslot, aka the “Friday night death slot” or “the graveyard slot” where shows go to die, good or bad. People generally just don’t watch TV Friday nights, they’ve got things to do, people to see, and all that. Factor in the fact that a large amount of Community’s audience is in the 18-35 range, and you’ve got to figure those are the people with a social life who do things like go out on Friday nights. Then mix in a lead in of the incredibly drab Whitney and you’ve got a ratings starved show, bleeding out on the floor.

It get’s better (not really)

Ask any die-hard Community fan who the most integral part of the show is, and they’ll most likely tell you it is show creator Dan Harmon, whose unique voice, and almost obsessive-compulsive style of storytelling is key to the humor, intelligence, and quality of the show. Guess who NBC hasn’t signed on to be a producer next season? NBC head honcho Bob Greenblatt has pointed out that “shows lose showrunners all the time and do well” and while this is true to a degree, and Harmon may eventually get signed on, regardless, losing Harmon would be a major blow to Community, as it is unlike any other show.

For lack of a better (albeit, clichéd) analogy, Community really is a community of sorts. Its fanbase is like none other in terms of sitcoms. If you log on to Reddit, and look how many subscribers various shows’ subreddits have, you’ll see the ratings juggernaut Big Bang Theory is pushing almost 5,000 subscribers, meanwhile Community will inevitably reach 50,000 subscribers within the week. Take in account that reruns of Big Bang Theory can gather in ten million viewers, meanwhile new episodes of Community hover around three million. After every episode, the internet explodes with people quoting lines from the episode, making animated gifs of their favorite scenes, discussing the meta references and allusions, and posting screen caps of hidden background Easter eggs laid by the set dressers and prop masters (who really deserve more credit).

Even with all the potential doom and gloom hovering over the fourth season of Community, there’s still hope. More episodes could always be ordered if say, a new show fails (which is very possible given the fact this is NBC we’re talking about) or it miraculously does well in the new timeslot. Perhaps, given how TV on the internet continues to grow, in the future Hulu (who owns the rights to online syndication of Community) could even produce new episodes, similar to how Netflix is producing a new season of Arrested Development. Time will only tell what the future may hold for the show.

In the end, you have to laugh, though. True to form, Community has kept it’s meta qualities alive and kicking in the real world. Between all the “darkest time line” jokes this season has held, it really has been a dark year for the show, between the possibility of cancellation, Chevy Chase drama, and now this mess. Who knows, it could be one big conspiracy to be extra meta, and everything will be happy in the end.

May 11, 2012
by The OJBG Team
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OJBG’s Weekend Walk-In’s

By: Samantha

I don't even know how to handle that many flavors.

1. Thomas Sweet’s (Georgetown)

Willy Wonka has been discovered in Georgetown and his real name is Thomas Sweet. If you’re

craving something to kick that sweet tooth, look no further than this lovely shop in Georgetown. Whether it’s ice cream, fudge, or frozen yogurt, I’m sure you will find something that tickles your taste buds.

*Tip: Try the chocolate oreo marshmallow milkshake. It is heaven.

Thomas Sweet’s Website

2. Lauriol Plaza (Dupont Circle)

Rated the “Best Mexican Food” by the Washington Post, you can rest assured the Tex-Mex inspired dishes at Lauriol Plaza will be rockin’. The chips and salsa are amongst the most delicious in the District and that doesn’t even begin to cover the food. The bar seems to be the hottest spot on Friday and Saturday nights with pitchers of margaritas flowing. Join in the fiesta and salsa on over to Lauriol Plaza pronto.

*Tip: The Crab and Shrimp Quesadilla is the bomb.

Lauriol Plaza Website

The Crispy Spinach. SO GOOD.

3. Rasika (West End)

My lovely Indian friend was telling me about Rasika in West End the other (while simultaneously tying her sari-this woman knows her stuff) and highly suggested I make a trip of my own to experience the delicious food myself. I did and I cannot agree more. I have never really eaten authentic Indian food before and Rasika left an absolutely perfect first impression. I highly suggest you enjoy that same first impression very soon and make a reservation at Rasika.

*Tip: The Crispy Spinach is a superb appetizer.

Rasika Website

4. Movie of the Week: The Vow

Now, I know what you’re thinking: I am absolutely not watching this lame chick flick. Well, that’s how I felt too until I actually succumbed to final exam studying procrastination and rented it off of iTunes. It was absolutely adorable. I probably won’t persuade any dudes reading this, but for you ladies, give it a chance. It’s based on a true story, it has an awesome soundtrack, and most importantly, the plot is not all butterflies and rainbows. It addresses a true medical tragedy without sugarcoating it and reminds all of us what love truly entails. Plus, if you hate the movie, you do still get to see Channing Tatum smiling like a hunk in the rain. Not too shabby.

May 9, 2012
by The OJBG Team
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The Limelight: Hirshhorn + Pitchfork + Wired

Doug Aitken’s “Song 1″ film has been projected on the Hirshhorn’s exterior each evening for the past 6 weeks.

Aitken structured “Song 1″ around the song “I Only Have Eyes for You.” Dozens of versions of the tune have been specially created for the soundtrack of ”Song 1″ by a wide range of artists including Beck, James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, Devendra Banhart, Mountains, CFCF, High Places, No Age, and Lucky Dragons.

But on Friday night, the soundtrack will be replaced by a live one. Music website Pitchfork and Wired Magazine are co-sponsoring an after hours event at the Hirshhorn with musical guests No Age, High Places, Oneohtrix Point Never and Nicolas Jaar. It’s outside film, art and live music. What better way to spend a summer night?

Friday @ 8PM @ The Hirshhorn

Purchase Tickets Here ($25)

May 8, 2012
by Otessa
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Favorite things / Tuesday Top / Weekly Obsessions

by Otessa

This week will be very simple, and very topical to our office over here at OJBG & 20/20 HQ.

Simply put… I love it …

1. when the INTERNET WORKS properly.

Unfortunately, we have been cursed with horrible, spotty, constantly-dropping internet for the past 2 weeks. And when you are (trying) to run & operate a New Media company…

well let’s just say that it has given me a newfound appreciation for properly functioning internet with good bandwidth.

Sigh, it seems Comcast doesn’t really like its customers that much.

_____________

2. Claire Boucher + “post-internet”

Sure. the (“post-internet”) turn-of-phrase might make you cringe like the sound of nails on a chalkboard. (or for me it’s more like freshly-cut nails on synthetic fibers). — but think about it just a bit more, and she has probably defined and described the Great Generational Line In The Sand. It really does come down to a cultural Us vs. Them, as to who grew up with the internet (and learned it like osmosis) — and who was introduced to it, after their brain had fully developed.

She delineates it further here in a Guardian UK interview:

“I should give the disclaimer that that was said in passing and in no way was I attempting to start a kind of meme or anything! The phenomenon I’m referring to is the neurobiological difference between people who were born after the internet became a common, household thing and people who had their adolescence without exposure to the internet.”

Boucher was 11 when the music sharing program Napster came along, meaning: “I went through my adolescence having this revelatory experience – I can have any music I want and I can get it immediately. For me and for a lot of people I know, there’s this musical eclecticism that happened.”

___________________

3. Trans-siberian

I watched this movie on Netflix last night. It was pretty good. It had Ben Kingsley (who is always amazing), Woody Harrelson, Kate Mara, & Emily Mortimer. Great cast. Plus, it takes place on the Trans-Siberian Railway, a railroad trek with which I have a bit of an obsession.

___________________

May 7, 2012
by The OJBG Team
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Music Monday: Top 5 Best of What’s Next

Summer is around the corner and so is a host of new albums to enjoy. Here are the top 5 track off of some upcoming releases:

1) Animal Collective – “Gotham”

Last night, Animal Collective announced a 7 inch single Honeycomb/Gotham. The single is available for pre-order on the band’s website and streaming. The B side, Gotham is a slow burning, drone that makes me anxious for the new album.

2) Here We Go Magic – “How Do I Know”

This relentless, up-tempo single will have you tapping your toes and wondering “How Do I Know, If I Love You?” all day. Stream it here. The album, A Different Ship, is out on May 9th.

3) Best Coast – “Last Year”

On Best Coast’s sophomore album, the sound is the same– but the production is miles better. This is no lo-fi album. Bethany Cosentino’s go-go California girl vocals are crystal clear. On “Last Year”, Cosentino reflects on her success and it’s effects. She’s extremely self aware, but it translates into an almost obnoxiously open and whiny song. It’s catchy regardless and a pleasant summer listen.

4) Santigold – “Big Mouth”

The follow-up to Santigold’s rebellious and raw debut album only took about 4 years. But it’s an extremely pleasing follow-up. Santigold returns with a perfect fusion of world and EDM. The first single “Big Mouth” is not overdone– but it’s not playing it safe either.

5) Young Man – “Do”

The music of Young Man is what it sounds like– the soul-searching of a developing young musician. On “Do” off of his upcoming sophomore LP, Colin Caulfield opens, “I just don’t know what life is.” It’s a sparkling and earnest track perfect for an early morning summer drive.

May 4, 2012
by The OJBG Team
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OJBG’s Weekend Walk-In’s

By: Samantha

Let the hunger games begin.

1. Canton Dockside

If you’re feeling a bit crabby, swing on over to Baltimore for crabs galore. This was my very first experience with Baltimore crabs and they were excellent. Voted one of the best Crab Houses in Baltimore, Canton Dockside has a huge seafood menu and gorgeous views of the Baltimore harbor. I really can’t think of anything better than that on a Saturday afternoon. Just don’t forget your bib.

*Tip: But really, don’t dress nicely, wear jewelry, or expect to go to a gala after eating crabs. You will be a mess, but you will enjoy it.

Canton Dockside Web Site

2. Forbidden Planet Productions: Next to Normal

The modern broadway classic, Next to Normal, is coming to the stage in DC this weekend at George Washington University! Next to Normal follows a family of four as they battle with mental illness and the struggles of a suburban family falling apart at the seams. The music is so great and I know for a fact that the cast of FPP’s production can sing it just as well, if not better than the original cast. This is something you need to see for yourself, so head on over to the Mount Vernon campus tonight or tomorrow night and experience something extraordinary.

*Tip: Get there at least an hour early to purchase tickets. The show is most likely going to sell out both nights and you really shouldn’t miss this because you couldn’t get a ticket.

Forbidden Planet Productions

3. Movie of the Week: La Dolce Vita

I am studying abroad in Italy in the fall and in an attempt to begin preparing myself for the culture shock I will experience in four months, I watched the Italian classic, La Dolce Vita, starring film icons Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg. Simply, it will make you wish you were a black and white Italian film star. Snuggle up in bed during the storm tonight and watch this good ‘ol Hollywood classic.

April 30, 2012
by The OJBG Team
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Music Monday: The Top 5 Androgynous Female Vocalists

By: Emily White

I’ve always been a sucker for female artists with androgynous voices. I sang with the tenors in choir when I was growing up and I’ve never been able to hit the high notes. Not only do I identify with deep vocals, I love the way they sound. That mystery that envelops a round, indistinguishable voice is utterly captivating. It’s easy to achieve different vocal effects with today’s recording equipment– but a truly unique voice is impossible to replicate. Here are some of my favorite androgynous voices of the moment, old and new.

1. Brittany Howard

The Alabama Shakes have risen from bar-band to buzz-band in a matter of months. And this wild success can be almost entirely attributed to the booming voice of Brittany Howard. Her deep bellow and raw shaking cry has been likened by the press to mega-stars Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin. ”You know, some comparisons are really flattering. At the same time, it’s just the way I sound — and this is the only way I know how to sound, really,” Howard says in an interview with NPR.

I listened to the song “Going to the Party” and thought the lead singer sounded like Jack White. When I heard “Rise to the Sun” I thought of Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill. When I googled the band I realized– the lead singer was not a rock-revivalist dude but a soulful young black woman. Howard sings with reckless abandon and a harsh timbre over guitar with souther rock and soul sensibilities. When she sings, her whole body shouts.

2. Jana Hunter

I first heard solo artist Jana Hunter through her side band, Lower Dens. Again, I thought the lead singer was a dude. Lower Dens just released their second album, Nootropics and it is an undulating, mesmerizing trip. Jana Hunter is deep and subtle, but not quiet. She has a desolate drone, but it’s not in the slightest bit ugly or out of tune. Her tones are perfectly round and melodic– perfectly haunting. In the video for the first single, “Brains” Jana sports a boy-short hair cut, looking and sounding more androgynous then ever.

3. Nico

Nico is an acquired taste. But she could also be the deep voice of all deep voices. When she sings it sounds like a Gregorian chant; like some exotic, gothic lullaby. Her voice is admittedly nasally and off-key, but only Nico could make monotone lively instead of monotonous. Her stint with the Velvet Underground produced one fantastic album, and her solo work is equally as mesmerizing.

4. Victoria Legrand

Victoria Legrand is the singer-songwritter and organ player of the Baltimore band, Beach House. The band is known for their slow, dynamic sound. Legrand’s melancholy vocals give the slow melodies a sultry croon. Her lush voice also has a very manly, husky tone. She sounds like you’d imagine an old piece of leather to sound: tough, but worn soft at the edges. There is a deeply sad undertone in everything she sings. Beach house’s third album “Bloom” is set to come out this year, the first single “Myth” dropped in March.

5. Nina Simone

Nina Simone’s seething, scatting voice is an incurable sound. She’s a legend and rightly so. From gospel to jazz to folk to blues, Simone was a force to be reckoned with. Her highly androgynous voice holds incredible power and bite. She had a reputation for an explosive temper, but it was nowhere near as dynamite as her voice. Simone’s voice is dark and rich and deep and striking. Her covers are incredible: Bob Dylan’s “Just Like a Women” or the Bee Gees “To Love Somebody”.

April 27, 2012
by The OJBG Team
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OJBG’s Weekend Walk-In’s

By: Samantha

My personal photo of the most incredible dessert I have ever eaten.

1. The Chart House (Old Alexandria)

This past weekend, I adventured to Old Alexandria, Virginia for dinner at The Charthouse. The food at this fine establishment was incredible and the service was absolutely impeccable. The prices were on the higher end, but the experience was well worth it. I really cannot compliment this restaurant enough. Make a reservation, bring your family, friends, or special someone and enjoy a great meal and beautiful views of the Potomac.

*Tip: The Chocolate Lava Cake is MORE delicious than it sounds.

The Chart House

A chandelier I fell in love with in a shop window in Old Alexandria.

2. Old Alexandria

Old Alexandria reminds me of cozy village, a picturesque getaway from the hustle and bustle of DC. The streets are lined with adorable shops and restaurants that can keep you busy for hours. For traveling convenience, boats leave from Georgetown sporadically to take visitors to and from Old Alexandria. In 30 minutes, you can be there. A swell adventure awaits you.

The pork rack chop, documented by yours truly. It was delicious.

3. District Commons (Foggy Bottom)

The best of Americana on a plate. Seriously. I didn’t really know what to expect when I walked into District Commons, this brand new, swanky restaurant RIGHT next to the Foggy Bottom Metro Stop. However, I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the hip atmosphere and the tasty entrees. The menu seemed a bit foreign to me considering I’m used to Domino’s at 3 am and cold spaghetti. Nevertheless, everything I ate was right on point. Hop on over to District Commons, grab a seat at the rockin’ bar, and get yourself a nice drink at the end of a hectic day. You’ll be glad you did.

*Tip: The Boston Cream Pie is DELISH.

District Commons

4. Movie of the Week: Clueless

Koldcast’s article comparing Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden to Clueless (Haven’t read it yet? Read it here!) made me miss the classic 90s teenage saga so much that I came home from work one day and rented it off of iTunes. It was just as good as it was when I was 11. Chill out Saturday afternoon and revisit the girl that made us fall in love with mini-skirts, makeovers, and the phrase, “As if.”

April 25, 2012
by The OJBG Team
0 comments

The Limelight: Howard Theater Kick-Off Event with Nancy Wang of LCD Soundsystem On Thursday

The Howard Theater just had a makeover, and they are throwing a kick-off party to celebrate. After a $29 million renovation and a 32-year hiatus, this historic landmark that helped to launch the careers of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye and The Supremes is back and better then ever.

The party starts on Thursday. There are a lot of names on the bill here, bear with me: Brightest Young Things + The Underground Rebel Bingo Club + Nancy Whang of LCD Soundsystem + Bit Funk + Gavin Holland of Nouveau Riche + Stella brings the beer.

Its 18+, doors 8pm, show at 9:30pm. Tunes, burlesque performers, a contortionist, glow sticks, and an inflatable t-rex provided. All the info is here.