Yes, this is kind of a slow show week. Why? Because it’s Christmas week. Even venues need to take to occasional holiday. But, you know what, the biggest badass in America is coming to town! So, yeah, Merry Christmas.
Thursday, December 23rd
Dir En Gray at The Regency Ballroom
I don’t know what’s in the water in Japan, but there seems to be no lack of brutal bands. Dir En Gray are no exception to that: They are brutal, but they are also not afraid of being a bit experimental. If you are in the mood to go a little deaf before dealing with family, this is the best way to warm up for that.
Finish Ticket, She’s, Tumbleweed Wanderers, Local Hero at The New Parish
Friday, December 23rd
Infected Mushroom, Dyloot, Dissolv at The Fillmore
One of the drawbacks to the musical genre known as Psy-Trance is how anonymous it can be. Well, Tel Aviv’s Infected Mushroom have managed to give the genre a whole new energy, by merely being an actual band with a real frontperson, as opposed to most performers in this genre, which tend to hide behind their decks.
MC Lars, Frontalot, Adam Warrock, Peck The Town Crier, C.U.P.C.A.K.E. at The Uptown Nightclub
Friday, December 24th
It’s Christmas Eve… Nobody is going to be open tonight…
Saturday, December 25th
Black Xmas at Elbo Room
I thought that Christmas would be a dead day. And then I learned that The Church Of Satan puts on a show at Elbo Room every Christmas Day. We’ve got Mongloid side band Abu Ghraib, BITE, Theremin Wizard Barney, and even dancers known as The Devil Dancers. So, yeah, after you are done celebrating Jesus’ Birthday, I suggest you spend the evening paying tribute to his brother. Because that’s what Jesus would want.
Monday, December 26th
Oh Yeah, It’s Boxing Day.
Tuesday, December 27th & Wednesday, December 28th
Matthew Sweet at Yoshi’s – SF
In 1991, LA Songwriter Matthew Sweet put out a record called Girlfriend. It featured on guitar two punk rock legends: Robert Quine (Richard Hell & The Voidoids) & Richard Lloyd (Television). It also was a genius piece of power pop, and one of my all time favorite records. And, at this show, he will be playing the album from beginning to end.
Wednesday, December 28th
Woody Allen And His New Orleans Jazz Band at The Regency Ballroom
Wow. That’s kind of cool. Hide your daughters, Woody Allen is coming to town!
Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven at The Independent
