Jaunted

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Jaunted's Guide to CMJ

Halloween extends itself in New York City this week, as the CMJ Music Marathon kicks off and young hipsters in all sorts of ridiculous dress start wandering the streets. A few insiders will tell you that the festival is starting to go downhill, but there's no denying that a shitload of bands are in town, and you're bound to enjoy at least a few of them. Remember, some of the best spots for indie rockstar sightings during this time are the vegetarian, vegan and health food restaurants of the East Village: Counter, Kate's Joint, Burritoville, The Organic Grill, Atlas, Souen, and most definitely, Angelica Kitchen.

You may have missed Riddle of Steel last night, but we still have a few picks left for you. In general, these are shows that you will probably get into without a badge. If you think you need a badge, however, try to get one from a band that's leaving town early.

Don't forget to check the official showcase calendar on the CMJ website for a complete listing.

TONIGHT: For a fix of real local music, head to Union Pool for a Family Business showcase featuring Other Passengers, the Art of Shooting, and more. Come on, you have the rest of the week to kick it with more famous folks.

THURSDAY: Township and Rye Coalition play Club Midway, the spot formerly known as Scenic. Also: Vancouver's Lions in the Street at Trash Bar, Cave In supervocalist Stephen Brodsky at Sin-é, and Moon & Moon (featuring Devendra Banhart) at the Knitting Factory tap bar.

FRIDAY: Viva Viva at The Delancey, and, if it ain't sold out, the Black Angels, whose "Passover" is one of the year's best albums, at The Nokia Theatre with the Black Keys.

SATURDAY: Sleep off as much of that mega-hangover as you can, and wake up just in time for Priestess at The Bowery Ballroom. They will fuck you up, dude! Time for you to retire; the festival ends today.

[Photo: seizethedave]