For some silly reason, we’ve all decided that we need to spend the change over of the year in “party” mode. We count down til midnight, then pick somebody to make out with when the clock strikes 12. Well, I’m a firm believer in any excuse to go to a show, as well as any excuse to make out with somebody, so here’s a list of the best six shows to spend your New Year’s Eve with.
The Fresh & Only’s, Thee Oh Sees, White Fence, Wonder Lion at Brick and Mortar Social Club
I’m not sure what it means to have a coheadlining show in New Year’s Eve, but nonetheless, this is one heck of a bill. Both of these bands are retro minded acts that have just enough punk rock energy to encourage a fun an sweaty night.
X, The Black Tibetans, Sean Wheeler & Zander Schloss at Slim’s
X are arguably the greatest rock band ever. And, lucky for us, they’ve started to make it a tradition to come out to play on New Year’s Eve in their original line up, including guitar super god Billy Zoom.
Kreayshawn, Wallpaper., Roach Gigz, Starting Six at The Regency Ballroom
The other big local show, featuring Kreayshawn, who is riding the wave of her web hit “Gucci Gucci,” and Wallpaper., Oakland’s hard drinking, hard partying duo who recently have been getting serious MTV attention. This show is the “fun” show for NYE. No thinking, just a silly good time.
The Velvet Teen, Happy Body Slow Brain, Fake Your Own Death at Bottom Of The Hill
Need some dramatic, sweeping rock & roll to celebrate New Year’s with? This is it. Plus, this might be the most make out friendly show this year.
Lord Loves A Working Man, Rube Waddell at Vitus
Rock & Roll not your thing? How about some classic soul to dance to while waiting for 2012 to start. Just don’t watch the John Cusack film. Also, this new Oakland venue is awesome.
The Limousines at Rickshaw Stop
South Bay New Wave goodness you ask for? From one of the most popular bands in the bay? That do a killer Paul Simon cover? Sounds good to me!
