Sheena Beaston

Andrew W.K. - I Want To See You Go Wild (video)

PARTY PARTY PARTY HEAD BANG AT A PARTY. If you're ever feeling down in the dumps, I'd advise you to turn on some Andrew W.K.. NOt only because his music will inevtiably make you cheer the hell up, but the dude is the champion of all positivity and a genuinely rad as shit human being. That said, he's got a new video, and he's brought along some animated pals.

 

  

I Want To See You Go Wild comes from his latest effort, Close Calls With Brick Walls, a release that sees Andrew abandoning the "wall of sound" on his previous piano-based output, and returning back to his hard rocking roots.

 

The video for the song is out now, and hell if you don't smile while watching this. Written, directed, and produced by Peter Glantz, with art by Gunsho and animation by Thomas McConnell, it's noted that Andrew W.K. did all his own stunts for this action packed clip. Not like we ever doubted that, considering his penchant for thrashing and the fact that he's played shows even while restricted to a wheelchair. Proof.

 

Party on, indeed. Watch the video now.

  

 

 

mp3: Andrew W.K. - Never Let Down

 

 

Gonzales Wets Our Appetite at Joe's Pub Again

If the first two Thursdays of this month are any indication, then I hereby declare February to be now known as Gonzuary. Sure it might not immediately make sense, but if you were lucky enough to catch Gonzales' second performance at Joe's Pub last night, complete with special guest Andrew WK, then you'll fully support the notion of the name change.

   

Beginning once again, with a set of modernly-interpreted classical numbers, Gonzales captured the immediate attention of a full house. Sharing stories of his current stay in NYC, he took us through a short 4-act play in which he regaled tales of growing up with his parents, potty training and his inevitable rise to "piano genius", as dubbed by his grandfather.

Gonzo entertained with another solo effort before bringing out a staple of the NYC rocking night scene in his good pal, Andrew WK. After a slight technical difficulty, the pair joined up for a traditional French song in which the long-haired lad impressively sung over his counterpart's accompaniment.

After WK left the stage, our weekly entertainer once again launched into his rousing rendition of I Need a Hero with the perfectly played segue into Hotel California serving as the night's "final song". 'Twas not long before the pair emerged again, to join forces on one of the rocker's own tunes.

What amounted next was of the raddest proportions. Watch as Gonzales and Andrew WK shred through a rendition of I Get Wet. (thanks to psamp for the video)

  

If you missed the first two shows during Gonzales' residency, you still have two more chances to catch him this month. Next week, A-Trak joins him on stage, and Princess Superstar rounds out the residency. More information can be found here.

mp3: Erol Alkan - Waves (Chilly Gonzales Piano Remake)
  

Andrew W.K. - Close Calls With Brick Walls and Mother of Mankind (promo video!)

After three years of loyal patience, Andrew W.K. fans can finally experience his "lost" third album. Previously released in Japan and Korea in 2006, Close Calls With Brick Walls will officially become available in the United States on March 9.

 

2009's release, 55 CADILLAC, was a compilation of improvised solo piano compositions, while Close Calls With Brick Walls, coupled with a bonus album, Mother of Mankind, will deliver the slamming, inspirational music for which the rocker is loved.

The 2-CD set will house 39 songs, 36 pages of photos and notes, and is packaged in a special double slip-case.

Watch the promo video, directed/produced by a recent Beaston-fave...Tayisha Busay!

 

Reminder: Andrew W.K. appears with Gonzales this Thursday, February 11 at Joe's Pub. This is the second installment of Gonzo's month-long residency. If you missed the first one (with special guest, Sia) you can read a recap here. 

Tickets for this Thursday's show can be attained here.

 

 mp3: Andrew W.K. - You Will Remember Tonight

 

Gonzales' Piano Talk Show: February Residency at Joe's Pub

He plays piano. He talks. He raps, complains and sometimes waffles....and now Gonzales is playing every Thursday in February at Joe's Pub in New York City.

Taking time out from putting the finishing touches on his new full-length, Ivory Tower (due out later this year), co-writing and producing the debut album from Beaston-fave, thecocknbullkid, and co-writing songs with Jarvis Cocker, NYC (and myself) are warmly welcoming Gonzales for a string of 4 dates in which he'll tease, tantalize and titillate audiences with his uniquely-talented flair.

Fresh from his Guinness World Record for longest live piano performance (27 hours, 3 minutes and 44 seconds) his piano battle with Andrew WK in New York, and a sold-out run at London’s La Pigalle Club, Paris-based pianist and showman Chilly Gonzales crosses the Atlantic for four Piano Talk Shows in New York City this February. The self-proclaimed "Entertainist" will play every Thursday at Joe’s Pub, finally giving NYC a taste of his futuristic cabaret performance. Each show will feature a guest from Gonzo's extended musical family to keep the surprises coming. Feb 4 - with SIA Feb 11 - with Andrew WK Feb 18 - with A-Trak Feb 25 - with Princess Superstar

 

If you'd like to attend, you can find ticketing information here...but be quick, because these events are not to be missed and availabilities will go fast! Also, check back next week for my exclusive interview with Gonzales, as well as intimate coverage from each night during his residency throughout the month of February. I'll be chatting with each of his special guests as well as providing video coverage the day following each performance. So psyched, and yes, oh so rad!

mp3: Marina And The Diamonds - Hollywood (Gonzales Classical Rework) mp3: Princess Superstar VS Mason - Perfect Exceeder mp3: Sia - Breathe Me (Four Tet Remix) mp3: A-Trak - Loonies To Blow mp3: Andrew W.K. - I Get Wet