REVIEW: The CMJ Music Marathon: Escape in New York - Jamie Roberts

Based, oddly enough, in New York City's Lincoln Center (bastion of fine arts), this almost-four day celebration of the not-so-fine arts ran the gamut from outstanding to utterly embarrasing. The days and nights spent shuttling from venue to venue in order to see alternative music's finest has always been a test of any music-lover's mettle. What could have been a debacle of poor organization, wound up being refreshingly well handled by the College Music Journal volunteers and staff; there was always someone on hand to give directions to a panel, answer a variety of questions, and even recommend that evening's "show to see". Not since my first CMJ Music Marathon years ago have I not felt like one amongst a herd of cattle. The planners helped the shows become less crowded, due to the numerous choices of bands and locations on different levels of notoriety.

So many things to do and see inevitably produce a solid "Best and Worst" list. Here are some of the highlights of CMJ. The more worthy that are summarized here will appear in greater depth in the next installment of Consumable's CMJ Music Marathon coverage.

Best Band in Concert - Soul Coughing at the Supper Club on Sept. 6. This much-hyped band helped celebrate the preview of the movie Blue In The Face, along with Spearhead, David Byrne, Paula Cole, Geggy Tah, and Da Bush Babees. They lived up to all lofty expectations with their 3-song set, and their backup job with soundtrack-master David Byrne)

Most Interesting Live Act - Foetus at the Limelight on Sept. 7. Jim Thirlwell, ever the showman, wobbled and slurred his way through his shortened set at the church that Rock-and-Roll 'ruined'. One thing that must be said of Foetus, is that he is close to his audience... falling right on top of them as he rolls off the stage!

Most Boring Concert - Matthew Sweet at the Academy on Sept. 9. His songs were ever-so-sweet - no pun intended - but Matthew and his band did not stray from the V formation they started out in...the music was great, but the performance of it put me to sleep... Oh! Is it over?

Best Surprise - Goo Goo Dolls in Cooper Square on September 8. This outdoor grunge-fest was the perfect example of showmanship - even if they didn't play "We Are The Normal".

Most Disappointing Show - Mean Reds at The Rodeo Bar on Sept. 8 This all-gal rockabilly-ish band was utterly unmelodic. The Lustre Kings, who followed on that night, but were not promoted as a CMJ show, were a lot better.

Best Party - Interscope's Prom-O-Rama. Also the most crowded party I have ever seen! Featuring tiaras, bowties, and loads of new, loud acts.

Best Movie Premiere - Empire. This Generation-X slice of teen angst-ridden life was funny, cool, and engaging.

More to come in the next issue!