Recovering from Outside Lands has been, well, tough this year. However, much like a hangover, you really just need a little more music the next morning to feel normal again.
Thursday, August 15th
Best Coast, Bleached at The Fillmore
California is a lovely place during the summertime. And no two bands represent the joy of living in this fine state better than Best Coast and Bleached. This double header is chock full of infectious, bright hooks and harmonies with just enough punk rock snot to prevent you from feeling too “at ease.” (Dakin Hardwick)
Moloto, Sangre at The Regency Ballroom
Friday, August 16th
Mustache Harbor, Sean Tabor at Bimbo’s 365 Club
I’m not usually a fan of these cover band shows at Bimbo’s. However, after Hall & Oates totally killed at Outside Lands, I’m fiending for more lite rock live. So, obviously, I’m going to take one the best lite rock cover band in world. (DH)
Eliane Elias at Yoshi’s, San Francisco
Saturday, August 17th
Cherie Currie, BITE, DJ Omar at The Red Devil Lounge
Not often do we get to experience a true innovator in the flesh at one of the most intimate venues in town. Even more exciting is when that performer is a bit of a recluse that hasn’t spent much time on stage in the last few years. So, it’s extra exciting to learn that The Runaways’ frontwoman Cherie Currie is playing San Francisco for the first time in, well, I have no idea… There is nothing going on tonight as exciting as this. Nothing. (DH)
Evangelista, Jackie O Motherfucker, Badwater Bob at Hemlock Tavern
Sunday, August 18th
Earth Crisis, Lionheart, Sworn Vengeance, Harness at 924 Gilman Street
Holy crap! Earth Crisis have been churning out their brand of straight edge hardcore for 20 years now? Feeling awfully old now. (DH)
Monday, August 19th
Polyphonic Spree, Harper Simon, Seryn at The Chapel
There was a point in time where Polyphonic Spree were going to be the biggest band on the planet, and not just in number of members. However, the struggle of touring what amounts to a full orchestra and choir took its toll on the band, and although they never broke up, they cut back severely, and just played around their native Texas for a number of years. Happily, they have reinvigorated themselves and are now coming around to the great state of California for a few shows. This time, they are playing The Chapel, a venue perfectly suited for the eccentric chamber pop of Polyphonic Spree. (DH)
Natalie Cressman at Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse
Tuesday, August 20th
The She’s, The Yes Go’s, False Priest at Bottom Of The Hill
This local combo does some wonderfully perky, reverb-heavy power pop with a pleasant Motown beat and just enough surf in that guitar to remind you that it’s summertime. This show is perfect for a Tuesday night pogo. (DH)
Wednesday, August 21st
Rue 66, The Hampton Wicks, The Gregors at The Elbo Room
I’m sure I’m not the only one that wishes they could live in Paris in the mid 60’s. The music of that era was, well, unlike anything else. The blend of lounge, jazz, and psych was very sexy, and very uniquely French. Rue 66 are a band trying to emulate that period, and do it rather well. Since you aren’t going to see Serge Gainsbourg live any time soon, this is the best about as close as you can get. (DH)
NEXT WEEK: Black Sabbath! The Breeders!
