round 2: FIGHT... March SHIFT in photos...

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moniker

It is really very simple, I must say. First, the Majr is my DJ moniker because of the title homonym, the major. I got this name, in a loving fashion of course, through my no-wire-hangers approach to event planning, as well as my often militant control over the music at any party or event I was organizing.

Secondly, it is because those are my initials: Michael Adolphson, Jr. I have had this moniker for a long time, and I feel like changing it would be useless. So, alas, I am here, your majr pain in the ass. I come to provide good times with good music, and let the follow suit.
-the Majr

dj set at duplex

SHIFT is happy to announce that yours truly, the Mhajr, has been asked to DJ at Duplex on 18th & U on Wednesday (April 1) from 9:30p-12:00a. This event is part of GAGA WEEK DC, a week that culminates with Lady Gaga's two performances at Nightclub 9:30 on Thursday (April 2).

So, for those of you looking to get pumped up with great music the night before, or if you are on your way to or from The Presets (amazing live!) show at 9:30, stop in and say "Hi." It looks to be a great chance to play quality music at an established bar that perhaps rarely gets a chance to hear it.

Spreading the gospel of non-suck tunes,

-the Majr

thank you / set-list (march)

THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone (all 500+) who made it out last night to SHIFT. I hope you loved the music and danced your face off. DJ Shea Van Horn, who kicked so much ass during DJ guest hour, deserves a round of applause (and drinks). Also, a special thanks to Mark Rutstein who helped manage the venue, despite being his day off. Additionally, Aaron Riggins, who allowed us to kickoff GAGA WEEK DC in style, gets a big high-five. Last night rocked my sh*t. You all are amazing.

We look forward to seeing everyone again on SATURDAY APRIL 25th.

-the Majr


my set-list

Abandoned Pools - Seed
Middle Distance Runner - Man Of The People
Peaches - AA XXX
Stars - Bitches In Tokyo
The Killers - Spaceman
LCD Soundsystem - Watch the Tapes
Scissor Sisters - Music Is The Victim
Bloc Party - Two More Years [MSTRKRFT Remix]
Louis XIV - Finding Out True Love Is Blind
The Hives - Try It Again
Ra Ra Riot - Dying Is Fine
She Wants Revenge - I Don't Want to Fall In Love
Infadels - Topboy
Kaiser Chiefs - Everyday I Love You Less and Less
Garbage - Why Do You Love Me
The Cloud Room - Blackout!
Green Day - Hitchin' A Ride
Arctic Monkeys - Brianstorm
The Faint - Worked Up So Sexual
The Ting Tings - Fruit Machine
Santogold - Say Aha
Franz Ferdinand - No You Girls
No Doubt - Just a Girl
Nine Inch Nails - Meet Your Master (The Faint Remix)
Lady Gaga - Money Honey
Moby - Disco Lies
Muse - Supermassive Black Hole
Hot Chip - Over and Over
Natalie Portman's Shaved Head - Me + Yr Daughter
Vampire Weekend - The Kids Don't Stand a Chance (Chromeo Remix)

Dragonette - I Get Around
M.I.A. - 10 Dollar
Sneaky Sound System - When We Were Young
Lady GaGa - BoysBoysBoys
The Dandy Warhols - Scientist
Madonna - Impressive Instant
Chromeo - Tenderoni (MSTRKRFT Remix)
Rihanna - Breakin' Dishes
Ladytron - Ghosts (Cassette Jam Mix)
Whitey - Wrap It Up
Paul Oakenfold feat. Brittany Murphy - Faster Kill Pussycat
The Presets - My People
Lady Gaga - The Fame
Pharrell feat. Santogold & J. Cassablancas - My Drive Thru
Cut Copy - Out There On the Ice
Kylie Minogue - Boombox (LA Riots Remix)
Heartsrevolution - Switchblade
Calvin Harris - The Girls
M.I.A. - Bucky Done Gun
Friendly Fires - On Board
The Kills - Cheap and Cheerful
Mission Control - Innerspace
Freezepop - Frontload (Designer Drugs Remix)
Daniel Bedingfield - James Dean (I Wanna Know)
Milke - Love Get Out of My Way
Mariah Carey - I'll Be Lovin U Long Time (Designer Drugs Remix)
Britney Spears - Do Somethin'
The Rapture - House of Jealous Lovers
Infadels - Jagger '67
Scissor Sisters - Filthy/Gorgeous
Eskimo Disco - Japanese Girl
Pay TV - Miss Capitalist
Metric - Monster Hospital (MSTRKRFT Remix)
The Presets - Talk Like That
Frankmusik - In Step
Beck - Timebomb
Gwen Stefani - What Are You Waiting For
Melody Club - Electric
Metric - Dead Disco
Le Tigre - TKO
Rilo Kiley - Portions For Foxes
Fischerspooner - Emerge
Chris Lilley - Naughty Girl (Summer Heights High)
LCD Soundsystem/Franz Ferdinand - All My Friends

Bloc Party - review

I have been to a lot of shows at Nightclub 9:30, but I cannot remember the last time I saw it as packed as when I witnessed Bloc Party there on Sunday. The British sonic dance-punk band played to an adoring crowd of every demographic and orientation. For the 90 minutes of their set, I was reminded with each well-crafted performance of how I had heard of their inability to reproduce their sound live. Perhaps they had a "good night" at 9:30, but I genuinely doubt it. I can see how their sound is at its optimum in a small club of condensed acoustics, but cannot imagine someone not appreciating the quality of many of their stage presence.

They began their set by throwing two of the more upbeat tracks off their latest LP, Intimacy, One Month Off and Trojan Horse, followed by a single from their last album, titled "Hunting for Witches." Despite never really liking the latter track, I enjoyed it live (which is one of my favorite live performance phenomena).

For the next 45 minutes they reeled off tracks from all three of their full lengths, with a HUGE highlight occurring when they piggybacked two of my favorite songs, Song for Clay (Disappear Here) and Banquet. The latter, one of the best indie dance songs of the last 5 years, came beautifully out of the aggressive former. Still, it got better. Kele, the lead vocalist, ran into the crowd with his microphone cord almost tripping me (which I obviously did not mind) during a crowd-pleasing Mercury, the first single off Intimacy. He then crowd-surfed his way back to the stage. It was delicious.

The band closed the first set and took their pre-encore rest, but not before shelling out a sonorous execution of Ion Square, my favorite track from Intimacy. After returning, they played two tracks, the synth-dance Flux and overtly dance-punk Helicopter that both (especially the latter) got the crowd moving uncontrollably for the first time in the show. It was nice to see a D.C. crowd pull the stick out and actually let loose a bit. People were bouncing off one another in comfortable chaos- just as jeebus intended.

But- they were not done yet. After witnessing "the random show of enthusiasm," (per Kele) Bloc Party came back out and performed two final tunes. They started with the cleverly belligerent (and oh so danceable) Ares, the opening track off the new album. I must state that this track pumps me up so much every time I hear it, that I basically single-handedly re-created the pit. Finally, and much to the crowd's pleasure, they finished with the eloquently written and soothingly bittersweet This Modern Love.

Though I have seen amazing shows- some much better and many MANY much worse- I can say that this great performance was just what I needed. As a person who is rarely drawn to seeing a band more than once, Bloc Party warrants seeing at least twice more.

Rating: f***ing great
-the Majr

SHIFT featured in MetroWeekly

Hats off to MetroWeekly!

We greatly appreciate the medium featuring us, as well as its positive influence on the DC/Metro community.


Major SHIFT: Cobalt's latest hit is a new alternative dance party


-the Majr


(PS: If you request Toni Basil's "Mickey" on Saturday, you will be destroyed.)

wake up DC

time to shake it hard.

SHIFT mix #8

like a British nanny.

(dance your face off)

The Ting Tings - review

Katie White and that other guy (Jules de Martino), who comprise The Ting Tings played at 9:30 club this past Friday evening, and here is the breakdown...

Katie was a fantastic front lady for the two-piece, as she projected her vocals well and kept a great rapport with the audience. Jules hit the drums a bit and wore yellow Ferris Bueller meets Bono shades that made him appear wonderfully mysterious. Except, not. Katie sounded especially well in Great DJ and Fruit Machine, while slightly below par on Shut Up and Let Me Go and That's Not My Name. I enjoyed the entire set of 11 or so songs, but I was definitely waiting for more as the show ended. I guess playing cover songs is not in their repertoire, as they basically performed the entire debut album, We Started Nothing, on shuffle- and then called it a night. It is a good thing that their audience was made up of mostly MTV fans and other such pleasant beings, to say the least.

The set was just okay, the crowd's energy felt like the Republican National Convention, and the evening left something to be desired. Other than those, the scallops were delightful.

Still, I give a huge high-five to White for her personal energy and vocal quality, and I will continue to cheer this duo on as they ascend from their humble Leigh, Greater Manchester roots to international stardom. Someone needs to bridge the gap between the taste-retarded and the ones who listen.
Rating: just okay
-the Majr

we are electric

fully laminated.
freely lubricated.
frantically laciniated.

SHIFT mix #7

gaga week dc / dj shea van horn

SHIFT is proud to announce that this month's dance party will be the official launch party for GAGA WEEK DC, a week of parties and promotions leading up to Lady Gaga's Thursday (4/2) concert(s) at 9:30 club. Organized by District social emperor, Aaron Riggins, GAGA WEEK DC is a great chance for fans to celebrate an artist who succeeds at bridging the gap between pop and electro quite well.

Within the popular spectrum, Lady Gaga leans more toward our musical taste (played "Boys Boys Boys" at the last SHIFT), and I look forward to kicking off the week-long celebration at SHIFT with a few songs of hers. Reliably, we will also be throwing down my sidereal set of indie rock, electro-dance, and quality pop tracks.

Also, we will have the pleasure of welcoming one of the best Disc Jockeys on the east coast, DJ Shea Van Horn (of Mixtape) as this month's guest DJ. Last month, Zack+Michael of Homo/Sonic did a fantastic job, and we hope to some day have them back. Shea has impeccable music taste, dynamite DJ diction, is a talented technician, and is the only DJ who dances as much as I do in the booth. With our powers combined, we will keep you dancing to songs you will want to hear again and again.

Bring on the 28th!
-the Majr

spring show-tacular '09 (march)

The Spring Concert Series commences this Friday and lasts until the end of May. It is all extremely exciting, with 11 shows of glorious proportions. Today, let us just preview the end-of-March shows.

Friday March 20 - The Ting Tings - 9:30 Club
This Friday, The Ting Tings will once again embrace D.C. with their 2-piece prowess. Though they have very few songs to play, with one LP of 10 tracks, they are sure to put on a fun show. I especially look forward to hearing Fruit Machine and Great DJ live. That's Not My Name happens to be my favorite track, but it is definitely wearing out its welcome on the club speakers (and I am guilty of loving the L.A. Riots remix). This show should have a fun, mixed crowd, and the energy should be just enough to translate into a fun after-evening, especially being Friday. A totally valid kickoff to the insanity that will be make me Spring Concert Cunt '09.

Sunday March 22 - Bloc Party - 9:30 Club
On Sunday, Bloc Party will grace the stage of 9:30 with its brand of sonic-laden dance-punk, and its rabble of a following. Bloc Party, not especially known for a great show, is still highly anticipated by yours truly, as I have yet to experience them live. I especially look forward to hearing new tracks like Ion Square, Your Visits Are Getting Shorter and Ares. The old favorites, like Banquet, Like Eating Glass, and Helicopter are sure to get me pushing people around, no matter how good or bad the live translation. Finally, something that does not suck on a Sunday. Take that Jesus.

Monday March 23 - Cut Copy - 9:30 Club They are a decent band that returns again (3rd time in about a year), so I am not attending. I am sure they will sound great, and the teens will hop about to them. But, this ex-teen will be saving his energy for what looks to be an insane schedule. Let your lights and music shine, Aussies.

Tuesday March 24 - Britney Spears - Verizon Center
Say what you may, but I look forward to seeing how much of a spectacle this show will be. I accidentally double booked (read below) myself, and must see this show, as it was a gift. So, I am sending Lt. Lush to see and review the Friendly Fires/White Lies show at Black Cat. Madame Spears is sure to create a fun time, and I look forward to her vocoder and pasties. Another boost is that the opening Pussycat Dolls, whose front lady can actually sing, are supposed to put on a good show. I look forward to hearing the former's Do Something, Breathe on Me, and the latter's When I Grow Up. America: where dreams come true, no matter how much your pussy is hanging out.

Tuesday March 24 - Friendly Fires/White Lies - Black Cat
Friendly Fires is a great new band with some stellar tunes, including Paris and On Board. White Lies is the most hyped pre-LP band since Hot Hot Heat of '02. The latter delivered in a good way with Make Up the Breakdown. Let us see if White Lies can do the same. Their first hit, Death, is especially good. I impore anyone to listen to that track, as well as its Crystal Castles remix. I am sure Lt. Lush will have a lot to say about these bands when he returns from the show. Now, I just have to get rid of my ticket and cry a little... and then go get drunk enough to scream like I have a training bra, at the Verizon Center. Hooray!

Here's to reviewing and experiencing the best acts in the world... I hope. Next, for April, we have Lady Gaga, The Presets, Mates of State, Ra Ra Riot, Ladytron and The Faint. All very exciting.

The show schedule is to the right ---->

-the Majr

tunes to take v.2

Happy bastardized religious holiday, to you. This version of Tunes to Take (songs to which I am listening) is full of entitled bitches. Hooray, vagina dentata!

"Switchblade (L.A. Riots Remix)" - Heartsrevolution
This song has been dominating my itunes recently. Well, mostly when I'm driving to work or getting ready to go out. It's motivational, quality thump-thump electro.
"Cheap and Cheerful" - The Kills
While watching the first episode of The United States of Tara (the best new show on television), this song was played. It has yet to turn off in my head, and is my favorite current song of sass, with a driving derivative beat.
"Fashion Report" - Pay TV
Cheesey electro vocoder pop. You Love It!
"Money Honey" - Lady Gaga
With the approaching GAGA WEEK DC**, I have realized that this may be my favorite Lady Gaga tune. It is a perfect blend of quality pop, well-placed synths, and (perhaps best of all) is not overplayed into hellish oblivion like "Poker Face" or "Just Dance." Thank god.
"Slap a Bitch" - Macy Gray
Macy Gray tried to say goodbye. She choked a little. She took some more hallucinogens, and enjoyed her sweet, sweet baby for a while. Still, she could not wait to see us, and put out this quality, sexy, wonderfully inappropriate song about rough sex. Hooray! She and Caligula are back, in a good way.

**SHIFT, on March 28th, will be the kickoff party for GAGA WEEK DC!

-the Majr

Designer Drugs - review

I had the fortune of catching a backbar set by Designer Drugs last weekend at 9:30 club. It was a fun experience, despite the small area, and I am happy that 9:30 was able to host such a rising act.

About 60+ people crammed into the tiny bar under 9:30 club, with many visibly excited to see the new, highly touted DJ duo. I arrived as they commenced their set with an original intro track (which I always love from any disc jockey). I rushed to the DJ booth and watched the two of them go at it for the next 45 minutes.

After opening with two awesome tracks of pure, pulsating electro, the first few bars of their original track, Zombies, were played. This sent the entire place into a frenzy. My body began dancing without me, which is always the best flavor of foxtrot.

After a few more brilliant tracks, they played (perhaps) my favorite dance song of the moment, Milke's Love Get Out of My Way. After playing their remix of said song at our first SHIFT, it was nice to have it played for me by the actual artist. I danced so hard that I lost complete control for a couple minutes; dancing my face off, if you will. I came to, reattached my face, and allowed the track to unwind into transition.

To be honest, they could have spontaneously combusted at that point, and I would have been happy. (You know, minus the death part). The small venue and short set became inconsequential, and the entire experience was a lovely appetizer for what will hopefully be a career that brings huge nights of big venue dancing.

Rating: simply good stuff, with great sh*t to come
-the Majr

sometimes damage control is overrated

time to rock.

SHIFT mix #6 ...-ix...-ix...

come with.

No Line on the Horizon - review

The most famous band in the world just released a new album on Tuesday, and after 4 straight days of saturation, here is my take on it:

"No Line on the Horizon," the title track, begins the album. It automatically sounds interesting, instrumentally. Also, Bono has changed his voice from previous records by backing off the mic, turning up the emo-amp in his throat, and immediately (noticeably) singing from his gut. The sound of the song was favorable to me, but I kept hearing something in it that felt like audio deja vu. Thinking back to my childhood, I realized that the vocals were very Roger Daltrey, of The Who. Still, the song is quality, and a great way to start a new album.

Track two, "Magnificent," is an obvious single-to-be, with vintage The Edge delays on guitar. The song loses its appeal 1:20 in when the verse begins in the same old-same old U2 manner that makes you wonder whether the title is meant to be ironic. From another room, you would not be able to tell it from any other song of theirs. After the album wipes itself, it throws out a definite high point, in the down-beat "Moment of Surrender," a track that uses organ, heavy blatant bass, and Bono screaming again.. but in the same good manner as the opener. The next track, "Unknown Caller," very much does the same in keeping the album at a chilling point. Both tracks are in the "just okay" department. The next track is excrement, so let's move onto their first single, "Get On Your Boots."

Innately designed to be a leading single, this track has :45 of quality. Then, much to my chagrin, it uses a similar line that was used in a single from their last album ("City of Blinding Lights"). The song, itself, is also a little too INXS for me to take it seriously. For a band with such seasoning, this song (1/2 way through the album) leaves a bland taste. It's water.

And, the river keeps flowing. The next two tracks ("Stand Up Comedy" and "FEZ- Being Born") are forgettable. The following track, "White as Snow," has the lyrical ingenuity of a contemporary christian festival hands-raised lemming ballad. Finally, the last two tracks aren't worth naming. The album is a cliff dive from a great title track of climactic potential, to an uninspired quarry of background noise and b-side forget-ability. Though it pains my heart to say it after years of being a big fan, the horizon actually seems to be approaching- with many lines. The first one says "stop crapping out music."

Rating: buy Achtung Baby, and cut your losses.
-the Majr

when trashy today becomes frumpy forever

Dance it away...

SHIFT mix #5

fischerspooner emerges

Fischerspooner, an band that epitomizes everything I love in music, art, and expression, has announced a new album out (May 5), called Entertainment. They are touring as well, including a date at our beloved 9:30 club on May 10. They are also playing two dates in NYC, one at the Music Hall of Williamsburg May 7, and Webster Hall May 8. I cannot convey how excited I am about this in this blurb, but I can implore you to PLEASE go see them. Tickets are on sale this weekend.

According to their website, "Fischerspooner is an art pop performance project created and helmed by Warren Fischer and Casey Spooner that makes music, dance, fashion, film and photography. Their work fuses fine art and pop culture, as in their renowned outsider pop shows bursting with stage effects presented in both art galleries and traditional concert halls. Their full-length albums of music include 1, a punked-up digital party record trussed with conceptual lyrics; and Odyssey, a rich emotional fantasia with a deep, expansive sound. Fischerspooner’s third album Entertainment, a sophisticated pop epic bubbling with hooks, releases in May, 2009."

"In conjunction with each album, FISCHERSPOONER develops a dynamic performance that theatrically realizes and furthers their creative concepts and ideas. Legend amongst outsider teenagers and sophisticated arts elite alike, the shows are renowned for their rich mix of art, dance, music and fashion. Hairy monsters, feathered chorus girls spitting blood, raucous new versions of their underground hits, and storms of glitter - a FISCHERSPOONER show is a phantasmagoric experience that is all the way live." - MySpace

If you are unfamiliar with Fischerspooner, and want to check them out, I definitely recommend listening to the following tracks: "A Kick in the Teeth", "Emerge", "Just Let Go", "Danse en France", "The Best Revenge" and "Never Win."

Do it.
-the Majr

dinkin' & drancin'... the evening in photos

The only party worth leaving Brooklyn for. Select photos amidst the trampage.

by Cassidy (fotocunt)