By: Becky Firesheets

It's that time of year when we ignore our jobs, our bank accounts and our livers and listen entirely to the calling of rock-and-roll.  From Tuesday, October 20th 'til Saturday, October 24th, New York's clubs will be taken over by the craziness of CMJ, featuring hundreds of under and above ground bands from all over the world.  The amount of live music, not to mention the panels, lectures and films, is overwhelming.  To help guide our dear fans through the insanity, Knocks is proud to present our CMJ 2009 Calendar, featuring our picks from the main schedule.  In addition, the staff will be publishing our top recommendations leading up to the main festivities.  And don't worry, we'll be posting blurbs and photos during the week to keep you guys on top of all the happenings.  Get pumped.

My Top Recommendations:

Tuesday October 20th - KaiserCartel and The Fieros @ The Living Room

Guy/girl duo KaiserCartel brings catchy hooks and spot on harmonies to their wonderfully simple blend of lo-fi pop and folk.  Set starts at 9 pm, followed by rockers The Fieros (pictured above) with their loud, upbeat, energetic garage rock meets 60s pop.  Check out The Living Room for info on full lineup, cover and more.

Wednesday October 21st - Takka Takka, La Strada and The Wild Yaks @ The Knitting Factory 

Takka Takka plays their whimsical pop rock at 8:15, followed by La Strada at 9:15 with their detailed "chamber pop," featuring a stellar string section and beautiful, layered vocal harmonies.  The Wild Yaks kick off their set of bluesy punk music at 11:30, sure to be in-your-face and crazy all night.  For ticket pricing and full lineup, check out The Knitting Factory (so glad it's finally reopened!).

Close second: Paul & The Patients and The Teenage Prayers at Southpaw.

Thursday October 22nd - The Press and Gunfight! @ The Charleston

The Press kick off the night at 8 pm with their complex yet catchy rock/pop/folk/punk.  Country rockers Gunfight! takes the stage at 11 with their fast-paced, upbeat tunes.  Two Bears, Hunters and Black Tie Party also playing.  Check out The Charleston for more info.

Friday October 23rd - Motel Motel and Japandroids @ The Bell House

Motel Motel play their twangy, Americana rock-and-roll at 8 pm while Japandroids (pictured right) hit the stage at 1 am with their "maximal" garage rock.  Music starts at 7 pm and lasts 'til 2!  Plus, this venue is awesome.  For full lineup, cover and more details, go to The Bell House.

Saturday October 24th - My Teenage Stride and Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers @ The Delancey

My Teenage Stride play their dreamy pop/rock at 10 with Shilpa Ray and Her Hookers hitting the stage at midnight with their aggressive, pouding rock led by Shilpa's deep voice and pump organ.  Chopshop also playing at 1 am.  Music starts at 8 and lasts 'til 2!  Check out The Delancey for more info.