MTV's Un-credible New Years
The Time Warner on-screen guide simply said "Tila Tequila" on MTV when the clock struck midnight last Monday, leading a casual observer to assume they were blowing through a marathon of her depressing reality show. But oh no! The oddly shaped, elfish face of the network apparently gets sole, top billing over the biggest night of the year as the host of MTV's annual New Years Eve party. She was mostly responsible for stumbling through some lines on her way to introducing the lineup of bands on tap, including the likes of Good Charlotte, Kid Rock and a somehow still relevant Wyclef. While those in attendance seemed to be having a fine time, it may pain music fans to see the network has no sign of changing their tune in the new year, rolling out the same rehashed schlock they've been shoveling for most of the decade. Cobra Starship summed it up best in their post-balldrop interview: "A lot of bands are trying to be credible...we wanna be in-credible in '08!" No word yet what role Gabe Saporta will play in "Shot of Love, Season 2." (pic via MTV)
The Dresden Dolls Were Born to Play New Years
One of our absolute favorite live bands was also in town for New Years Eve a few blocks further downtown, playing a festive and riveting set at the Manhattan Center's Grand Ballroom. Between the on stage hysterics and a crowd of kids dressed like turn of the century strippers, these shows have always got a New Year's vibe to them anyway, and celebrating the end of 2007 in such a fashion was a perfect fit. The duo played songs off both of their albums, including, as always, several zany covers for their first set of 2008. This was one of their largest local headlining shows ever, and they blew it out for two solid hours to a rabid, sold out crowd of revelers. Check out some great pics at Loose Record.
Dirty Projections for the New Year
One of New York's most intriguing bands to follow heading into this year, they of the critically acclaimed, peer approved Black Flag cover album, were the headliners for the ATJ Fest's New Year's Eve celebration at the Knitting Factory. The Dirty Projectors may often seem to have as many detractors as fans out there, but the ones who care showed up in force and brought in 2008 in a most spazzy fashion. Re-live the band's final moments of 2007 on Stereogum, which has videos of them performing a countdown infused "Gimme Gimme Gimme" to a celebratory crowd. Pattern is Movement opened the night, which made it that much sweeter.
