Hello westsiders! I've been trying to make a bunch of mental notes for the PDP over the past few months, but I never seem to keep a pen in my brain. A few quick items of interest, however, as I revel in my final weeks of thesis procrastination.

There's always lots of talk about the bands on stage and the DJs at the decks, but let's take a moment to appreciate the people who make the night happen in the first place. Here in New York a dynamic gang called Crackers United have been throwing some consistently kickass shows and parties at a variety of venues all over the city - next up is Friction at Rothko this Wednesday NO! TONIGHT! TUESDAY! HURRY, YOU CAN STILL MAKE IT. Emma la Reina is playing and KEXP is sponsoring but even if that doesn't impress you, please click that Friction link and dig the freaky flyer. I can't stop staring at it. That little groundhog. So wrong.

A few weeks ago Stereoactive and the Deli Magazine put on a mad bash (with Unsacred Hearts, Plastic East, and DJ Tedward of East Village Radio, plus half a dozen more) at Asterisk in Bushwick. Asterisk is one of the most interesting venues I've seen in NYC; it's some dudes' loft, as in where they live, but they use it for monthly parties, shows, and art events. The kitchen counter gets converted to a bar. The dog and the cats wander around through the crowds and don't seem to mind the music. There's some really good art on the walls and since promoters get to set up their own equipment, the speakers are exactly where you'd want them. I'm looking forward to going back there. Kudos to the Asteriskers, even though 8 times out of 10 the L isn't running and you have to take a cab.

Completely unrelatedly, have you people heard Rhianna's new single? Omg it is so hot, and I'm not even being sarcastic.

Three hours ahead, shakin' it.