And suddenly we’re hurtling towards mid-October. Whilst Halloween edges nearer, there’s nothing horrific about the quality of options bestowed upon you this weekend – although I won’t blame you if you just want to stay in and watch horror movies instead, ’tis the season!
5) Robyn Hitchcock & the Nashville Fabs at Bowery Ballroom
The term “national treasure” gets trotted out far too often but Robyn Hitchcock could not be more deserving of the title in the UK, from The Soft Boys to The Egyptians and all the solo records in a near forty-year career, few can claim such a glittering discography. Indeed, his latest record, 2017’s self-titled release via Yep Roc Records, may be one of his best. Friday 8pm
4) Valley Lodge, Windbreaker at Rocks Off Concert Cruises
You should still find excuses to be outside while the weather is going to allow it, and the Rocks Off Concert Cruises brings Valley Lodge aboard the Lucille on Friday night. The band is led by comedian Dave Hill and you may recognise one of their tracks as the theme tune to John Oliver’s show, but aside from that you’ll be treated to some power-pop treats and plenty of humour. Friday 7pm
3) Mudhoney, Pissed Jeans, The Art Gray Noizz Quintet at Warsaw
Seattle legends Mudhoney just released their tenth record, and their first in five years, Digital Garbage, via Sub Pop; there can’t be many bands as consistent, and it’s easy to forget that Touch Me I’m Sick was released 30 years ago. Label mates Pissed Jeans are headliners in their own right and 2017’s Why Love Now was another excellent record. As always, don’t skip the pierogies. Saturday 7pm
2) Molly Burch, Olden Yolk at Rough Trade
Another show I’ve been looking forward to and previously mentioned. Molly Burch released First Flower last Friday, and it’s as equally gorgeous as debut album Please Be Mine. Don’t miss openers Olden Yoke, who will be playing as a duo for this show, their self-titled album from this year seems to be criminally flying under the radar. Saturday 8pm
1) The Beths at Mercury Lounge and Alphaville
I was excited enough about these shows to post about them already, and the New Zealand four-piece’s album Future Me Hates Me just gets better with every listen. You have two chances to see them as they play a late show at Mercury Lounge on Thursday and hit up Brooklyn’s Alphaville on Friday. If you need some power-pop in your life then they should be unmissable, I haven’t heard a better band this year than The Beths. Thursday 9:30 and Friday 8pm
