These are the best shows this weekend, and that’s not an alternative-fact.
5) Plaid at Music Hall of Williamsburg
It’s impossible to tell the tale of Warp Records, and hence, electronic music, without Plaid. The London duo have been defining and redefining IDM since the early 90’s, though they’ve unjustly failed to garner the same level of acclaim and respect seemingly reserved only for Aphex Twin. Plaid have been remarkably consistent over the past couple of decades, and unflinchingly prolific. Last year’s The Digging Remedy was quietly one of the best electronic albums of the year.
Friday, 9 p.m.
4) Fostercare, ToWer, Tournament, Fur Helmet & Bad Bone at Shea StadiumPlanned Parenthood Benefit
I don’t think I need to tell you this, but Planned Parenthood needs your donations now more than ever before. Why not get a little Brooklyn hardcore to go with your contribution instead of a lame ass tax deduction? I caught Fostercare at Alphaville last year and can confirm that they fucking rip; plus there’s probably a really dumb joke to be made about a band called Fostercare playing a Planned Parenthood Benefit. Come out, dance and drink your misery over the new administration away, while being fully aware of the fact that your money is going to benefit a program the fascists in the White House hate. Nothing more punk than that.
Friday, 9 p.m.
3) Priests, Snail Mail and Juicy ii at Brooklyn Bazaar
There are punk bands that put on great shows, and then there are Priests. The last time I saw them, I had a near-religious experience, and thought they were the best thing I’d heard since I heard Daydream Nation for the first time. That was at least partially chemically-induced, but Priests can take you to that place when they’re really on. If not, maybe they’ll throw vegan burritos into the crowd like they did that one time at 285 Kent.
Saturday, 8 p.m.
Mogwai are one of the most “cinematic” bands of our time. They’ve done a bunch of scores and soundtracks (Darren Aronfksy’s The Fountain springs to mind) in between their studio LPs, and their latest project may be their most ambitious yet. They’ve teamed up with experimental documentary director Mark Cousins on Atomic, Living in Dread and Promise, a documentary covering the history of the nuclear era, which has become increasingly relevant what with Donald Trump’s calls for a nuclear arms race. Mogwai provided the score, and will be performing it live, accompanying the film, at what should be an unforgettable night.
Sunday, 8 p.m.
1) American Football, Joan of Arc and Mothers at Terminal 5
Within the cult of Kinsella, or, judging by ticket sales over the past year, outside of the cult of Kinsella, is the cult of American Football. The shortly lived band’s first self-titled LP is pretty much the Velvet Underground & Nico of emo. It didn’t sell many records, but those who did purchase it all formed bands of their own. Its stature has grown to mythic proportions. Its popularity has grown to dizzying heights I can’t even begin to understand. Its influence is immeasurable and its reverence is now unmatched. Oh yeah, and after seventeen years, they finally released another one, and it’s pretty good too.
Saturday, 8 p.m.