The week is the first official week of Fauxchella. There is plenty to look forward to, including a healthy dose of Coachella bands that you can see without the threat of sunburn, and only limited threat of somebody on Ecstasy deciding that you have the prettiest hair in the world and they need to pet it for 45 minutes while you watch The Cult.
Thursday, April 3rd
Fitz & The Tantrums, Bad Suns, Nightmare and The Cat at The Fox Theater – Oakland
There are a lot of retro soul bands, but very few bands have been able to fuse together classic soul and modern dance music in the way Fitz & The Tantrums have. By bringing together so many elements of pop music, they’ve created something that sounds both current and timeless. Not to mention, they are some classy dressers.
B. Hamilton, Feddy & The Aztecs, Down & Outlaws, Eric Harvey, Between Your Teeth at The Uptown Nightclub
Friday, April 4th
Annabella Lwin, The Hail Marys, Castles In Spain at Brick & Mortar Music Hall
After The Sex Pistols imploded, Malcolm McLaren spent some time looking for the next big thing to get a rise out of people. So, in the early 80’s he stole Adam Ants’ back up band, found a 13 year old girl to front the band, and Bow Wow Wow was born. It would’ve been easy to write them off as the creation of a man that wanted nothing more than to make money off controversy, but Bow Wow Wow were more than that. They were one of the first bands to add African tribal rhythms to punk and new wave, and created a totally unique sound that influenced many bands to come, most notably No Doubt often spoke of the joys of Bow Wow Wow. Sadly, most of the band is no longer with us, but we do get to see their lead singer play with her solo band tonight, and it will be amazing. Also, she’s now a grown up, so many of those lyrics are a lot less creepy.
Social Studies, The Tambo Rays, StaG at Milk – SF
Saturday, April 5th
Emmylou Harris at The Warfield
There is only one song called “Wrecking Ball.” And it’s by Emmylou Harris. And she’s doing that entire amazing album beginning to end tonight at The Warfield.
Yonder Mountain String Band, Brothers Comatose at The Fox Theater – Oakland
Sunday, April 6th
ZZ Ward, Grizfolk, The O’Mys at The Independent
ZZ Ward is one of those amazing singers that manages to be all things to all people. Her sound is just unpolished enough that the indie kids can dig, and just bluesy enough that KFOG will play her. It’s the perfect balance, and will make for an exceptional Sunday night rock show.
Gary Numan, Big Black Delta at The Fillmore
Monday, April 7th
Movits!, The Young Lovers, 8th Grader at Bottom Of The Hill
Because everything sounds better in Swedish.
Tuesday, April 8th
Dum Dum Girls, Blouse, Some Ember at The Independent
I love it when a band finally figures out their sound. The first few Dum Dum Girls records were good. However, Too True has the group finally finding hitting their stride. These songs have a much bigger sonic punch, while still retaining the dreamy qualities of past records. It’s an amazing album, and will make for an even better show!
Pet Shop Boys at The Fox Theater – Oakland
Wednesday, April 9th
Haim, Shy Girls at The Fillmore
Haim are amazing. We all know that. They even made the top of our Albums Of 2013 list. Opening the show is Shy Girls, another wonderful band doing some impressive minimalist pop music. I know you were going to get there early because this is going to be a pretty crowded room and you need a good spot. Seeing them will be your bonus prize for leaving work before traffic gets bad and having to eat KFC for dinner because, well, that’s the only place you can eat at while in line for The Fillmore.
Mike Posner at Rickshaw Stop
