Another week, another installment of our continuing series of me telling you what to do.
Tuesday, July 21st
No Doubt, Paramore, The Sounds at the Sleep Train Pavilion in Concord, 7:30 PM
The Sounds do the best Blondie impersonation since the last Blondie tour. Paramore remind me of the type of band I would have liked in the 10th grade, and since my musical tastes haven’t matured since then, I still adore them. No Doubt are one of the few bands to combine precise musicianship, genuine showmanship, and true songcraft and manage to become one of the biggest bands in the history of pop music. (Also at Shoreline Amphitheater July 25th)
Casiotone For The Painfully Alone, Concern, David & Joanna at Bottom Of The Hill, 9 PM
editorial note: I may owe David of David & Joanna a large sum of money. He does have the most beautiful voice I have ever heard.
Wednesday, July 22nd
La Roux, Io Echo at Cafe du Nord, 8 PM
I’m listening to La Roux with my cat in my lap. She really likes it! She seems to hate music, but this makes her happy. I’m happy, too! Her music is good.
Pat Benatar, Blondie, The Donnas at Wente Vineyards, 8 PM
Thursday, July 23rd
De La Soul, Keenan Bell at The Fillmore, 9 PM
De La Soul are a rarity in the hip-hop world. They are an incredibly consistent live act. They know how to pace a show, and most importantly, they understand the art of showmanship.
Extra Action Marching Band, Jessie Evans, Bronze, Something Experience at The Eagle Tavern, 9 PM
David Byrne loves them.
Friday, July 24th
Jay Brannan, Terra Naomi, Two Sheds at Bottom Of The Hill, 9 PM
Jay Brannan has a crystal clear voice, and serious skill as a songwriter. And, check out this music video:
That song is so good, it scares me…
Hunx & His Punx, Icy Lytes, Myles Cooper at El Rio, 9 PM
Wayne Hancock, Lil Anne & The Tune Wranglers, Cassidy Crowley & The Buckshot Boys at Uptown Nightclub, 9 PM
Saturday, July 25th
Maus Haus, Rainbow^Arabia, Pierre le Robot, DJ Gatsby at Bottom Of The Hill, 9:30 PM
Maus Haus do experimental electronic music, but in a way that is a bit possessed by Danny Elfman. Rainbow^Arabia are LA Hipsters attempting to do world music. This show is going to be weird for all the right reasons.
Har Mar Superstar, The Big Lebowski (Film Screening) at The Fox Theater, 7:30 pm
Sunday, July 26th
Counting Crows, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Augustana at The Greek Theater, 7 PM
I’m mostly intriguied by the show because of the way it’s set up. All 3 bands will be on stage together, and open up the show as a super band. As the night progresses, people will be coming and going. You will hear the hits from everyone, but it’s going to be loose and kind of silly. And, seriously, you love the Counting Crows. Everyone does.
Quintron & Miss Pussycat, Mika Miko, Audacity, Ty Segall, DJ MR Jonathan Toubin at Thee Parkside, 8 PM
Monday, July 27th
Mika Miko, Audacity, Judgement Day, Mammoth Exploration Society at Nickel City (San Jose), 7 PM
They played last week and you didn’t go. They played last night, and you didn’t go. GO SEE MIKA MIKO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They are playing in September with TITS & Lydia Lunch at Slim’s, but this is your last shot at a full set for a while.
You are definitely right about David from David & Joanna’s voice. If you’re not going to No Doubt like us, you should totally go there.
And Jay Brannan is amazing. You may have seen him naked in the movie Shortbus. You should see him clothed playing guitar and singing. It is even better!
Another good week for Bottom of the Hill!