I know that you thought that Noise Pop ending means that you can take some time off… But that was before you learned that Stryper were coming to town. STRYPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, March 3rd
Wild Nothing, Abe Vigoda at Rickshaw Stop
Popscene seems to be settling into it’s new home nicely, and the live shows are infinitely better because, well, the venue is actually suited for live music. Check out this reverb soaked double header from dream pop wunderkind Wild Nothing and LA’s shoegazer revivalists Abe Vigoda. You won’t be upset about it, and you can get your reasonably priced 18+ dance on afterwards!
Spooky Flowers, Jhameel, Dear Indugu, Steinway Junkies at Bottom Of The Hill
A Hawk & A Hacksaw, Sioux City Kid at Cafe du Nord
Friday, March 4th
Braids, Baths, Gobble Gobble at Rickshaw Stop
Braids do a compelling version of experimental chill out music that blends together elements of Phillip Glass, Gang Gang Dance, and late 90’s trip hop that is so subtly powerful that you don’t notice the goosebumps forming on your arms until it’s too late.
Kaki King with Zoe Keating at Yoshi’s – SF
Kaki King is the guitar player that you end up with if you ever find Thurston Moore and Leo Kottke trying to reproduce. Zoe Keating has single handedly turned the cello into it’s own scene. What will they come up with together? You’ll have to buy a ticket to find out.
McCabe & Mrs Miller, Tippy Canoe, The Bye Bye Blackbirds at Hemlock Tavern
Saturday, March 5th
STRYPER, Cry Wolf, Soldier, Skinner, Radio Friendly at Avalon Nightclub
Yes, you read the right. The greatest band EVER is back together and playing in San Jose! Because San Francisco can’t handle the epic greatness that is STRYPER, you have to check out a ZipCar for the night and drive down to the 408 area code because, well, you’ve waited your whole life to see this band, and you aren’t going to let a pesky 45 minute commute stop you. Heck, your friends from down there come up all the time!
Now it’s time for a Stryper Rock Block:
Morcheeba, The Mumlers at The Warfield
Sunday, March 6th
Elephant 6 Collective Holiday Surprise at The New Parish
This might be one of the smartest tour concepts ever! Bring together members of some of the most influential bands of the alternative rock era that no longer exist, and have them travel across American doing the songs that made them underground icons. You will hear classics by Neutral Milk Hotel, Olivia Tremor Control, Elf Power, and many more… And if you are lucky, a reclusive legend might pop out to do a song:
Too Short (w/ live band) at Yoshi’s – SF
Monday, March 7th
Devotchka, The White Buffalo at Great American Music Hall
Very few people haven’t heard Devotchka yet, but most people don’t know that they know Devotchka. This eastern European/norteno/folk fusion project is deliciously inventive, but still has the kind of pop music knowledge that will keep even the hardest to please happy. (also appearing 3/8 with Priscilla Ahn)
Diamond Rings, PS I Love You, AB & The Sea at Rickshaw Stop
Tuesday, March 8th
Yann Tiersen, Breathe Owl Breathe at The Regency Ballroom
Yann Tiersen is one of the most creative musicians working today. He burst onto the scene with the score to the hit film “Amelie,” but as a solo artist he pull off experimental noise, french pop, classical music, and pretty much anything else that he can think of. This man can produce any sound he can conceive of. This show will be a pure sonic thrill!
Asobi Seksu, Brahms, The Dandelion War at Bottom Of The Hill
Wednesday, March 8th
Peter Murphy at Mezzanine
The king of goth, former Bauhaus frontman Peter Murphy, is making a rare nightclub appearance this night. With no new material to speak of, this show promises to cover the entirety of Murphy’s wide ranging career, from his highly influential work with Bauhaus, through his solo career.
Starfucker, Unknown Mortal Orchestra at Rickshaw Stop
