Day 3- Friday I'm so determined to get to the Makers show on time at the Delancey bar that I dash out of work and jump into a cab as quickly as possible. Of course, I get there in plenty of time when they go on about 20 minutes late. But it was really worth the wait. The Makers have been around forever it seems (or more specifically, the early-90's) so it's really hard to believe they're all likely over 30. Donning tight shirts and even tighter hiphuggers, the foursome (fronted by the pipe climbing, speaker jumping Michael Maker) recall the 60's punk rock stylings of the Sonics with all of the energy and machismo of the Stooges. They have the poise, the chops, and the stage presence that would put any of the psuedo-garage bands of today to absolute shame (they were only about, what, 9 years ahead of their time?). This is the first time I have ever seen them live and it more than makes up for the lack of CMJ excitement I've yet to have. And I know I haven't really seen any other bands yet, but I'm sure that they are the best-dressed band in all of the CMJ Marathon.

Michael of The Makers

Go-go dancer at Happy Ending	After the Makers show, we (Music Editor Megan and myself) make our way over to Happy Ending for the Jane Magazine, DKNY, ADDVice bruhaha where we get the royal treatment (personally escorted to the front of the line and inside by one of the front door people when we tell them we are press...a big difference from the losers over at Plaid). Inside, professional masseurs are there to help partygoers get a bit loose (Happy Ending used to be a bathhouse and so that seemed to be the theme for the event). The towel-bedecked go-go dancing guys are so buffed and waxed, I can almost see my reflection in their pecs (it's a shame they couldn't dance worth a dime). "Rock Star DJs" were promised and delivered with James Iha spinning in the basement and, to my personal delight, Jeppe (Junior Senior) upstairs. As we all know, I worship at the alter of Junior Senior so it was cool enough to have Jeppe DJing but he was playing such awesome stuff (old school hip-hop and disco) that I loved him even more (because for some reason rock stars often make crap DJs).
The real fun came when one of the hired dancers made the mistake of going to the men's room because my new fellow dancing queen friend Courtney and I high-jacked his empty platform and danced up there together for the better part of the morning. From the reaction of the people cheering us on and the praise we received for our hip-shaking prowess, methinks we were more entertaining than Mr. Muscles. Jane you done good, real good. Day 4- Saturday So, after last night, I'm feeling better about CMJ. Energized even! Ok, so actually I'm really tired after not getting home til past 5am this morning and then working 10 hours. But I am really looking forward to seeing Bumblebeez 81 and lucky me, they aren't playing til way past midnight (and I may even be able to catch some of Cut Copy's set as well). So not sweating it, I hitch a ride on the subway down to the Knitting Factory. But somewhere between Lafayette St. and Broadway, I guess I fell back into my rut because when I got to the venue, I found out that the Modular Records showcase was cancelled (which meant I was not seeing Bumblebeez 81). I took it in stride and instead of seeking out another show, I head home for some much needed sleep and hope that the curse of CMJ 2004 would be lifted when I woke up the next morning. Thank God for Friday, though. Photos this page by Toni Simmons