Can’t think of anything funny or witty to say… So here’s some Breeders lyrics:
Saints alive you’re saying
Walk in … squares
The hid are out, out for the year
It’s a lot of face
A lot of crank air
Eroding around here
Summer’s ready
Summer is ready when you are
Thursday, June 16
Slow Gherkin, Buck-o-nine, Unsteady, Monkey at Thee Parkside
Alkaline Trio, The Hot Toddies, Kepi Ghoulie, Atom Age at Bottom Of The Hill
Mike Park was the lead singer/sax player for South Bay Ska Legends Skankin’ Pickle, and after that whole wave fizzled out, he began focusing on his indie label Asian Man Records. That record label has grown to be the most important underground label from the bay, next to Lookout!, Alternative Tentacles, and Thizz Entertainment in terms of popularity and cred. The record label is now 15 years old, and they are celebrating all this success by booking a bunch of shows. All of them our pretty much sold out, especially these two gigs that are only a few blocks from each other. At Thee Parkside, we have an amazing 90’s ska reunion gig, and down the street is the pop/punk bill, headlined by Berkeley’s Alkaline Trio. Seems like a good night to take out some extra cash for bribing the door guy.
Mark Robison & Kelly Willis, Lariats Of Fire at Cafe du Nord
Friday, June 17th
The Shpongletron Experience, Random Rab at The Fillmore
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Maria Taylor at Great American Music Hall
Saturday, June 18th
Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj at HP Pavilion
Yes. Britney Spears. Everytime she puts something out she’s “revitalized.” Well, I honestly don’t know what to expect with this gig, but her latest record, Femme Fatale, might be her best record yet. It’s the perfect balance of infectious pop hooks and innovative electronic beats with just a touch of Kraftwerkian Kraut Rock. Also, opener Nicki Minaj might be the best thing to happen to hip hop since Missy Elliott.
Matt & Kim, The Thermals, Autobot from Flosstradamus at The Fox Theater – Oakland
If you don’t have the guts to buy a Britney Spears ticket, you could do worse than Matt & Kim. Especially with The Thermals opening up the show… Plenty of punk happy goodness.
TSOL, Civet, Hounds & Harlots at The Uptown Nightclub
Sunday, June 19th
Stripmall Architecture, The Northern Key, Slow Skate at Rickshaw Stop
SF’s Halou were one of the greatest bands in SF history. They creative force behind this amazing band have remained intact, and are still doing their thing as Stripmall Architecture. They playing a stunning brand of dream pop, and are going to be an excellent way to spend a Sunday night.
Hunx and His Punx, Shannon & The Clams, Uzi Rash at The New Parish
Monday, June 20th
The Mountain Goats, Midtown Dickens at The Fillmore
One of my biggest regrets was way back in 2001, I was actually at a Mountain Goats show at Cafe du Nord, and I spent the whole time in the back trying to chat up a young lady that never even gave me her name. Such is life, because I’d never get to see them in a place that small again. Oh well! It’s still going to be a good time at The Fillmore.
Tuesday, June 21st
Keren Ann at Yoshi’s – San Francisco
It’s amazing how rare it is to hear an actual young jazz musician at Yoshi’s these days, but when they do, it’s pretty spectacular. Keren Ann does a beautiful fusion of French Jazz and pop, and promises to be the best date show of the night!
Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All at The Regency Ballroom
I’m not actually recommending this show… These guys are just another horrorcore group, and the only people singing their praises are folks that totally missed Geto Boys in the 80’s. I really just wanted to type out their full name. It’s fun to do.
Wednesday, June 22nd
Okkervil River, Titus Andronicus, Julianna Barwick at The Fox Theater – Oakland
Austin’s Okkervil River are in the running for the best record of 2011 with their latest I Am Very Far. Will Sheff is one of the great American songwriters, in league with Neil Young, Jeff Tweedy, and Rhett Miller. Their new record adds elements of horns and soul into their classic alt.country mix. Providing main support is New Jersey’s Springsteenish punks Titus Andronicus.
Taking Back Sunday, Thursday, Colour Revolt, The New Regime at The Fillmore
Hooray! Emo reunion time!!!! I <3 bands with days of the week in their name!
Panic! At The Disco, fun., Funeral Party at The Warfield
Hooray! Emo-prog time!!! I <3 bands with random punctuation!
