Usually the months of January and February are pretty sleepy for live shows, but this week is brutal. A lot of nights with a lot of tough decisions. Time to load up on Red Bull and not sleep for a week.
Thursday, January 27th
Suzanne Vega at Palace Of Fine Arts
She may fall under the banner of great forgotten artists, which is very sad because, well, she is in my own humble opinion, one of the greatest songwriters that our great country has birthed.
Pansy Divison, The Minks, Bad Backs at Eagle Tavern
Friday, January 28th
Deerhoof, Ben Butler & Mousepad at Great American Music Hall
It is sad that the Greg Saunier/Zach Hill/Joanna Newsom project Nervous Cop had to cancel their tour because of Zach Hill’s foot inury, but we still have a pretty killer bill. Deerhoof are an amazing band that does a brilliant blend of classic 70’s rock and experimental noise, but their newest record, Deerhoof Vs Evil takes their sound to the next level. This is, by far, the sexiest record in the band’s great and deep catalog. They will be focusing on material of this record, and it will make a great gig.
The Toxic Avenger, Autoerotique, Girls N Boomboxes at Mezzanine
Wallpaper., K. Flay, The Dance Party at Slim’s
Saturday, January 29th
RX Bandits, Fake Problems, Native at Bottom Of The Hill
At one point in time, RX Bandits were part of the 3rd Wave Ska scene, but they’ve evolved into something bigger than their genre. They’ve diversified their sound, and have incorporated elements of folk music and jam bands into their sound, giving them the kind of staying power that Buck O Nine and MU330 never had.
The Hot Toddies, The Attachments, Scrabbel at Rickshaw Stop
Sunday, January 30th
Underoath, Thursday, A Sklylit Drive, Animals As Leaders at The Regency Ballroom
It’s pretty surprising that the only two truly great screamo bands have never toured together before. Once you get past the growling, the bangs, and the black t-shirts, you’ll see two of the purest, and most emotionally direct bands ever.
The Blow, Sonny Smith at Great American Music Hall
Monday, January 31st
Against Me!, Cheap Girls, Fences at Slim’s
Against Me! are one of the few remaining political punk bands that know their stuff deeply. Their songs are catchy, and their lyrics are smart. This is their first tour since leaving Sire Records, and they’ve got Jay Weinberg, who most recently toured filling in for his father Max in Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, on drums. This should be an epic and cathartic set from this band.
Interpol, School Of Seven Bells at The Warfield
Tift Merritt and Simone Dinnerstein at Yoshi’s – SF
Tuesday, February 1st
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic at Yoshi’s – SF
Everybody does, in fact, need a little light under the sun. Yes, under the sun.
Wednesday, February 2nd
Das Racist, HOTTUB at The Independent
This is a tough night for deciding on shows. I will probably be at this one:
Motorhead, Clutch, Valient Thorr at The Warfield
But, then again, Motorhead are practically perfect in every way:
Tippy Canoe, Hymn For Her at Mama Buzz Cafe`
Although, I also have a weakness for redheads that play the uke:
