PARTY: Haven't gotten your fill of holiday office party fun this season? Metro Metro reminds all of its faux-ployees that their office party is tonight! "This is a reminder going out to all fake employees about the Metro Metro Holiday Office Party. Please join us in celebrating the holidays by assuming a fake job title and hobnobbing with fake co-workers over genuine drinks. Need inspiration for potential job titles, such as Associate with the Bad......

We couldn't help but notice the abundance of talented white male rockers invading NYC this week. New and old and originating from various corners of the Earth, the white boys of rock n' roll are invading. Let us be your guide. Last time they were here, they rocked NYC under the Brooklyn Bridge. The Irish international living rock n' roll legends, U2, are coming to a stadium near you. Tuesday and Wednesday at Continental Airlines......

British Sea Power...

Last week I didn't tell you about the show Beck played at Hiro Ballroom Friday night (one night before his appearance on Saturday Night Live). That's because the "secret" show wasn't even announced until Thursday. Beck is known for playing last-minute small-venue shows, and I was lucky enough to score a ticket to this one. Here are the pictures. In February, Beck played another secret show in Los Angeles. The opener was none other than,......

Do you truly appreciate this city? Where else in the world does a random Monday in April present the option of Sonic Youth, the Eagles, Devotchka, The Locust, Blues Explosion, M. Ward, and the Kills? Is there anywhere 'hip'per than NYC? This week, Widespread Panic will have the hippies dancin' in the streets before sittin' in their seats at Radio City Music Hall. Those unable to score a miracle should keep on truckin' to the......

Based on their 4-song EP and the incredible showmanship of a live show full of cock and bravado, The Bravery have been called the next big thing by the Village Voice and Rolling Stone. With only days remaining until the release of their self-titled debut, we will soon know whether this local band can live up to all the hype. Fueled by the currently hip guitar/synth driven sound, it might all be a matter of......

Coachella confirmations are starting to appear, after many many rumors. This year, the 6th, will be held April 30th to May 1st at Empire Polo Field in Indio, CA (same venue as last year). The lineup is still unconfirmed but you can probably expect Coldplay, Franz Ferdinand and the Killers. Others asked to perform this year are the Futureheads, Snow Patrol, Keane, Bloc Party, Secret Machines, Hot Hot Heat, Phoenix, The Bravery and Radio 4.......

Since Londonist has reported on their local rockers (Bloc Party) done good, we'll report on ours. New York's The Bravery has been given the number one slot in the BBC Sound of 2005 poll. Meaning what exactly? That this is (apparently) THE band to watch in 2005. Last year Keane was named number one, and in 2003 rapper 50 Cent held the position. We aren't that big on lists like this, because who can predict......

'Tis the season for corporate holiday parties, which could really get in the way of the great music we have in the coming week. Not that there are any tickets available, and not that most people want to pay the black market price, but the Pixies are opening their 2004 Hammerstein eight-show stand on Saturday. Check out all the dates and openers at Oh My Rockness and read the review of last night's DC......

CMJ is here. For New Yorkers, you've probably already seen many of these bands. Everybody plays here. But the number of shows and the number of people crammed into the clubs for these shows is greater than normal. Be careful out there. - The Donnas and Dogs Die in Hot Cars play a late show tonight at the Bowery Ballroom. The show starts at 1:15am. - Earlier in the evening, the Bowery hosts The Decemberists,......