Well, I have returned from Texas ten pounds heavier, with several new calluses on my feet, and a slew of new bands for you to go see, and several old favorites. So, do yourself a favor and come see a few amazing bands this week.
Thursday, March 22nd
Of Montreal, Deerhoof, Kishi Bashi at The Fillmore
Of Montreal are great at doing the whole glam rock thing, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but local art rock legends Deerhoof are supporting them, and are likely totally outdo the headliners. Poor, poor Of Montreal don’t realize what they’ve gotten themselves into.
A B & The Sea, Allen Stone, ZZ Ward at Great American Music Hall
Friday, March 23rd & Saturday, March 24th
Rancid, Cock Sparrer, Noi!se (Friday Only), Factory Minds (Saturday Only) at The Warfield
Cock Sparrer have been playing Oi! music for 40 years… They are one of the few bands to keep continuously play this brand of music for such a long time. Co-headliners Rancid come off as newbies in comparison, but that’s ok…
Friday, March 23rd
Fishbone, Afrolicious, Year Of The Dragon, Bad Heart Touch at The Independent
I once debated with Patrick Stump as to whether or not Fishbone were 2nd wave or 3rd wave ska. They kind of came in between waves, but definitely were the first band to commit such severe acts of genrecide. They are hitting the road to promote their powerful documentary Everyday Sunshine: The Story Of Fishbone, which I recommend highly.
Wallpaper, A-1, Parentz at Rickshaw Stop
King Tuff, Coconut Coolouts, Mom, King Lollipop, Nectarine Pie at Thee Parkside
Saturday, March 24th
The Magnetic Fields, Bachelorette at The Fox Theater – Oakland
Stephen Merritt seems to have finally settled on a single band… It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Future Bible Heroes or The 6ths. Supporting this prolific songwriter and his cracker jack band is Bachelorette, a dreamy, trippy wash of sexy synth and vocals.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Xh7RtdKyf0k
Good Old War, The Belle Brigade, Family Of The Year at Slim’s
Sunday, March 25th
The Ting Tings, MNDR at The Fillmore
The sophomore slump is a scary, scary thing. So, in an effort to avoid that, The Ting Tings recorded a whole record with Dr Dre, knowing well enough that it was a terrible idea, and scrapped it. So, they jumped straight to the third album, which is another fantastic collection of bubblepunk ditties that are nothing but pure sweetness.
Amy Ray, Lindsey Fuller at Great American Music Hall
Monday, March 26th
White Rabbits, Gulls, Young Evils at The Independent
Tuesday, March 27th
Kelly Clarkson, Carolina Liar at San Jose State Event Center
Many people don’t understand why I am so excited to see Kelly Clarkson live. Her voice is amazing, and her songs are brilliant. She was the first American Idol winner, and the only one to really matter.
Ani Difranco, Seth Giler at The Fillmore
Wednesday, March 28th
Ozomatli, Raw G at The New Parish
All three of these shows are a great way to spend a Wednesday night. Sorry about the tough decisions….
JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, The Slippery Slope, Riot Earp at Bottom Of The Hill
fun., Avalanche City at The Independent
