John: CMJ 2007 - The Subjects / The End of the World

I didn't do too much CMJing this year. The throngs of drunken college music directors and super, super late showtimes- (yes Blender, I'm talking to you) are wearing thin. I love Spoon and Band of Horses, but it's hard to keep me out for a 2:30 a.m. start during the week.

I did however, make it down to The Tank on Thursday evening for some free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and the Pretty Activity showcase. PA is a local label with some talented young folks on their roster.

The Subjects hail from Brooklyn and the band is comprised of two former teachers, and two of their former students. The guys have a new record out called with the ease grace precision and cleverness of human beings and they've just scored an opening slot with the Walkmen on the west coast next month. Check out The Subjects in a recent Daytrotter Session right here.

Also on the bill was a band called The End of the World. The name's a little dramatic, but I was intrigued...there was pedal steel and a cute bass player. This is one of those bands where the singer is also the drummer. Typically, if you're not Phil Collins, this is not my bag. But, they pulled it off. So check them out. They've got a record out called You're Making It Come Alive and they got a some local NYC dates coming up as well.