Happy August everyone, which apparently translates to happy scattered thunderstorm forecast week. Let’s hope that proves to be inaccurate because most of the recommendations this weekend are outdoors or have outdoor spaces, so we could well be in for a miserable ride. Alas, see you at the bar…
5) Noname, Topaz Jones, Jazze Belle at Prospect Park Bandshell
Noname’s 2016 debut Telefone was universally loved, and I can’t put it better than Robert’s review for out Top 25 Albums of that year – The jazzy sounds of Golden Age hip-hop returned in 2016 with a fantastic record by Tribe Called Quest (see below). But Q-Tip and Phife weren’t the only ones dropping rhymes to blunted-out jazz loops this year. Isaiah Rashad, Saba, and Chance the Rapper (to name a few) found inspiration in the era, taking the Golden Age vibe to all new places. Meanwhile, a more under-the-radar rapper, Noname, released a debut called Telefone that’s filled with enough jazzy vibes to make a Native Tongues fan drool. Understated and highly confessional, Telefone, showcases the laid-back rhymes of Noname (aka Fatimah Warner) delivered over music that will remind listeners of a Vince Guaraldi recording. At once melancholy and joyous, Noname’s Telefone is one of the most exciting records to emerge from the vibrant Chicago hiphop scene. That should be more than enough to get you down to a free show at Prosect Park! Friday 7:30pm
4) Quicksand, Glassjaw, Primitive Weapons at Brooklyn Steel
Both Quicksand (Interiors) and Glassjaw (Material Control) had great comeback records recently, their first in 22 and 15 years respectively. It makes a lot of sense that these two New York bands would go out on a joint headline tour and Brooklyn Steel should be a fine venue as host. Don’t miss another fine local band, Primitive Weapons, who open the show. Friday 6:30
3) Wreckless Eric, Jonathan Toubin DJ set at Our Wicked Lady
As far as calling songs “iconic”, Wreckless Eric’s 1977 hit Whole Wide World is a hard one to dispute. It may even be the song I have seen covered at shows more than any other. His most recent album was released in April this year, Construction Time Demolition, and it’s always a thrill hearing what DJ Jonathan Toubin is going to spin. Sunday 8pm
2) (Sandy) Alex G, The Garden, Shannon Shaw and more at Coney Island
After a quick look at the lineup of the Coney Island Music Festival this could well be a re-branding of the previously held “Burger Bash” that Burger Records have held down at Coney Island. To make things even better, it’s free! Headlined by (Sandy) Alex G, who always pulls in a crowd, my tip to not miss is Shannon Shaw, who you may know from Shannon and the Clams, her solo material dives straight into classic soul and if you ask me, deserves a large audience. Saturday 8pm
1) Against Me!, Cherry Glazerr, Taking Meds at House of Vans
As we keep saying, we’re going to be sad when this final House of Vans season is over. Despite the long lines, the people who are more interested in free beer than music, and the sometimes baking stage area, the lineups are always stellar and among the most consistent of NYC summer series. Alas, let’s enjoy them while they’re still here and Friday sees Gainesville Florida punks Against Me! headline with Cherry Glazerr (who will be busy that evening, playing at Rough Trade later that night) and Taking Meds opening. Against Me! have recently reunited with bassist Andrew Seward who had previously been in the band from 2002-2013 which should excite longterm fans. Meanwhile, Laura Jane Grace just announced a new band Devouring Mothers, with a record and tour set for later in the year via Bloodshot Records. As with all House of Vans shows, RSVPs are required, and have long been snapped up, and hopefully the storms currently on the forecast can stay clear. Friday 7pm
