This year’s CMJ lineup is pretty underwhelming. Maybe I’m just out of touch with which bands are getting deserved buzz, but there aren’t many lineups that are interesting top to bottom. Or maybe I’m just excited to see BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN tomorrow.
Here are a few of the bands who I would see again or I’ve heard good things about. I’m sure people more plugged into the scene might be able to find more of interest. It looks like making best use of a badge requires schlepping back and forth between Manhattan and Williamsburg.

Tuesday

The Delancey
7:30pm The Head Set
Luna Lounge
11:15pm Tigers and Monkeys
Pianos
10:30pm The Octagon
11:15pm Sam Champion
Trash
8:30pm Death of Jason Brody

Wednesday

Avalon
11:10pm The Walkmen
Canal Room
11:30pm Die Romantik
Europa
9:30pm The Vandelles
Luna Lounge
11:00pm Saturday Looks Good To Me
Music Hall of Williamsburg
10:00pm Sam Champion
White Rabbit
6:45pm Charles Bissell (of The Wrens)

Thursday

Bowery Ballroom
11:00pm Pela
Pianos
10:30pm The Big Sleep
White Rabbit
2:15pm The Muggabears
3:45pm The Teeth
4:30pm The Big Sleep

Friday

Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
9:40pm Earl Greyhound
Mercury Lounge
12:00am The Walkmen
Pianos
10:45pm The Capitol Years
11:30pm The Teeth
White Rabbit
3:45pm Jukebox The Ghost
5:15pm The Mugs

Saturday

Alphabet Lounge
9:00pm The Attorneys
The Delancey
6:00pm Chop Shop
7:00pm The Secret Life of Sofia
8:00pm Gold Streets
9:00pm Mancino
10:00pm Man In Gray
11:00pm A Place to Bury Strangers
12:00am Up the Empire
1:00am El Jezel
Midway
10:00pm Goes Cube
Music Hall of Williamsburg
12:00am Matt & Kim
Union Hall
10:00pm The Beat Radio
11:00pm The Mugs