With the Northside festival in the rear view mirror (review), we return to our somewhat normal schedule for the Top 5 Shows of the Weekend column.
5) The Mermaid Parade at Coney Island
Yes, ok, this isn’t a show per-se, but the Mermaid Parade is an institution, now in its 33rd year, and it’s something a bit different. Live a little. Saturday 1pm
4) Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Buscabulla at Warsaw
This is a nice double-header, with UMO’s funky psyche grooves being complimented by the Latin electronica of Buscabulla. Don’t skip on the pierogies at Warsaw beforehand either. Friday 8pm
3) Ovlov, Bluffing, Hellrazor, Spook The Herd, Very Fresh at Shea Stadium
This is being billed as Ovlov’s last ever show, and was originally scheduled to be at Muchmore’s, but has since been moved to Shea Stadium. Also on the bill are a couple of side-project bands, with Hellrazor including members of Speedy Ortiz, while Spook the Herd features members of Flat Swamp, Palehound, Vending Machetes, Grass Is Green. Friday 9pm
2) Soul Asylum, Meat Puppets at Brooklyn Bowl
Meat Puppets are one of the most criminally underrated bands of the last 35 years. Sure, they had a bit of time in the limelight, but not as much as their music deserves. The Kirkwood brothers roll into town armed with a discography that few can match, and their live shows are always entertaining, with Cris lurching around the stage whilst playing improbable bass lines. Curt Kirkwood is also a bit of a guitar hero who should be celebrated too. This is a joint headline tour with Soul Asylum, with both bands playing full sets. Saturday 6pm
1) Ken Mode, Pyrrhon, Fight Amp, Couch Slut at Saint Vitus Bar
Winnipeg’s Ken Mode released their sixth album this week, Success was recorded by Steve Albini and the record is filled with his signature sludgy sound, it’s a winning combination. Less frantic than than previous record, Entrench, but no less powerful. Pyrrhon (pronounced peer-on) are another band celebrating a new release, with their EP, Growth Without End, which is a head-expanding melting pot of prog-death-metal, or something like that. Try not to blink or you’ll miss something. Also featured on the bill are Fight Amp, who go even dirtier than the headliners and be sure not to miss openers and Free Williamsburg favourites, Couch Slut. Thursday 8pm
