Seems like a fairly normal week, local institutions announcing that they’re closing, crazy people making crazy threats, and maybe some good news with the opening of a new music venue. Plenty of great options this weekend and it’s going to be a cold one so what better way to get through it than with a few shows?
5) Tombs, Replicant, Panzerbastard at Saint Vitus Bar
What kind of weekend would it be without a show at everyone’s favourite metal venue? Brooklyn’s Tombs are close to clocking up ten years as a band, and released All Empires Fall back in April, their first released with new drummer Charlie Schmid and keyboardist
Fade Kainer. Boston’s Panzerbastard will be channeling all the Motorhead vibes possible when they kick off proceedings. Sunday 7pm
4) Jeffrey Lewis and Los Bolts, Jake McKelvie and The Countertops, Winstons, Pizza Boys at Shea Stadium
Jeffrey Lewis is a local treasure and if you haven’t seen him multiple times already then you’re just not a very good New Yorker. His last album, Manhattan, was released October 2015 and is another effortlessly witty and poignant collection of songs. Hopefully there will be some storytelling or a history lesson for good measure. Thursday 8pm
3) Parquet Courts, Lee Ranaldo, X_ _X, Vanity, Flasher, at Knockdown Center
This is somewhat of a show/installation/comedy bonanza, and Parquet Courts are just one of the reasons to trek out to Queens. The last time the headliners and Lee Ranaldo shared a stage they played a set of Sonic Youth songs, one can hope for a repeat! There will also be a sound installation by Eaters, a gallery of Andrew Savage‘s artwork, films by Joey Pizza Slice, a Dull Tools record shop, and other special pop-ups. Saturday 8pm
2) Steve Gunn, Endless Boogie, 75 Dollar Bill at The Bell House
Steve Gunn is one of the best guitarists around at the moment, with the rare ability of knowing when to play an understated melody for the benefit of his songs, and when to cut loose with a ripping solo. His latest album, Eyes on the Line, is his first on Matador Records and is a perfect follow-up to Way Out Weather. He might have to kick things up a gear, however, having to follow the no-frills rock and roll of Endless Boogie, while openers 75 Dollar Bill should put everyone in good spirits from the off. Of course I can’t fail to mention once again that The Bell House is a great venue. Friday 7:30pm
1) Curtis Harding at Rough Trade & Mercury Lounge
It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise to see Curtis Harding at number 1 for the weekend, I can’t sing his praises often enough and I’m still amazed he is only playing venues the size of Rough Trade and Mercury Lounge. Both of those rooms will do great justice to his sound at least, whether it’s a soulful croon or a crescendo of horns and guitars, the man has everything that seems to have been missing since the great artists of the 60s and 70s, while managing to have his own style. He’ll hit Rough Trade on Saturday night and Mercury Lounge on Sunday.
