Sebastian Bach

Unless you’re a fan of Jordin Sparks—the American Idol winner—or Nicole Scherzinger—of Pussycat Dolls fame—both of which have albums coming out today, you’re probably excited for the new Six Organs of Admittance album, Shelter From the Ash. Although Six Organs has been putting out albums since 1998, its founder Ben Chasny is probably better known for his work with the psychedelic acid rock band, Comets on Fire, another Pitchfork darling. But with Organs, Chasny has been quietly amassing a moving oeuvre of eerie, moody post-rock. On his newest album, Chasny invited members of Magik Markers, Comets on Fire (big surprise!), and Fucking Champs into the studio. Light listening, this is not.

You know what Thanksgiving means for record companies? It’s almost Christmas. And these days, that means Gift Packs! You basically already know these as box sets, but that name has fallen out of favor and so it will soon fall out of favor with you, too! The box set, with its relatively high ticket price and its focus on the packaging of compact discs, is a format for affluent thirtysomethings and so today's Gift Pack! releases are age appropriate: The Beach Boys, Pat Benatar, Blondie, Blur, The Chemical Brothers, Coldplay, Crowded House, Grand Funk Railroad, Massive Attack, Poison. Nothing says Christmas quite like an egg-nog fueled sing-along of “Talk Dirty to Me.” Who needs Perry Como?  read more »

The party was held at the Classic Car Club--across the street from the new building--and brought out a motley crew of assorted celebrities and hanger-ons. If only they would all move in together at 255 Hudson for the next season of The Surreal Life.

Besides for Mr. Valderrama, there was Anthrax's Scott Ian, ex-American Idol hearthrob Constantine Maroulis, Skid Row frontman-turned-Broadway performer Sebastian Bach, and porn star Tera Patrick. Nearby, Corcoran CEO Pam Liebman talked golf with Giants defensive end Michael Strahan.

And as Lizzie Grubman paced through the crowd, making introductions, guests lingered around the open bar or next to the cherry-red Maserati parked in the middle of the party.

So will Mr. Valderrama be hosting more parties after this last season of That 70's Show?

"I really just love classic cars, and that's how I got involved here," he told The Real Estate. He then ran through the list of his cars: a Bentley, an Aston Martin, and a '51 Mercury. (There may have been one or two more, but the bass-thumping speakers were right nearby, making conversation difficult).

"I'm taking a look," said Mr. Valderrama, regarding 255 Hudson. "But I don't know if I need a place in New York."

Unfortunately, The Real Estate didn't bring a digital camera, but Patrick McMullen has all the party shots.  read more »