We return once again to our regular schedule after a weekend away to witness another regular occurrence, sporting heartache at the hands feet of my local team. Throw in a much lighter wallet coupled with some jetlag and it sounds like a bit of a waste of time, but much like music, you don’t get to pick what you’re into, it’s those involuntary reactions and moments of jubilation that keep us coming back for more.
5) The Marked Men, Night Birds, Honey at Saint Vitus Bar
Texas punks The Marked Men aren’t the most active band in the world these days, their last album. Ghosts, was released eight years ago on Dirtnap, but they have a couple of shows in New York this weekend. Saint Vitus play host on Thursday and they also play at Brooklyn Night Bazaar on Friday, which may be a better night of the week, but Saint Vitus has earned a special place in our decaying hearts. Either way, each bill is great and and people seem to agree since both nights are sold out. Worth checking day-of in case there are some tickets at the door. Thursday 8pm
4) Oathbreaker, Sannhet, Jaye Jayle at The Studio at Webster Hall
If you’ve always wanted to see a black metal band from Ghent, Belgium, then head over the Studio at Webster Hall on Saturday to see Oathbreaker. The band’s third album, Rheia, was released in September last year and produced by Jack Shirley; it sounds immaculate. Free Williamsburg favourites Sannhet are always incredible live, while Jaye Jayle will kick things off in a more sombre fashion. Saturday 7:30pm
3) LCD Soundsystem at Brooklyn Steel
New venue, Brooklyn Steel, opens this weekend with a series of shows by LCD Soundsystem. Chances are you tried to get tickets and didn’t (like me), but that’s life. It will be interesting to see if the venue can make sure only fans get tickets as per their announcement. Regardless, we’re interested in seeing the space when we can, and hopefully hear some new LCD songs too. Thursday through to Tuesday 7pm
2) Mark Eitzel, Howe Gelb at Rough Trade
Few singers manage to make the disconsolate into poetry, maybe it’s that sublime croon he has put to great use over the course of 35 years since American Music Club first formed. Hey Mr Ferryman is Eitzel’s first solo record in 3 years and with Bernard Butler as producer, it’s one of his most focused and best-sounding to date. As far as live shows go, you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get, but they’re always memorable. Sunday 9pm
1) Pile, Stove, Big Ups, Gnarwhal at Sunnyvale
There’s a chance you’re looking at that bill and thinking “sounds like it should be at Shea Stadium…”, and you’d be right as this was originally scheduled to be there; as we all know, Shea is about to go through some renovations after a successful kickstarter and thankfully this show is still going on at Sunnyvale. Pile just released new album A Hairshirt of Purpose, which is their best yet. You can also see them at Baby’s All Right on Thursday with Mannequin Pussy, Fern Mayo and Gnarwhal. Sunnyvale is Friday 8pm
