It was all going so well last week, I’d fled the country and escaped the terrible heatwave and was enjoying far more mild temperatures, only to be hit with it’s own heatwave and no air conditioning for relief. For all it’s faults, there are fewer better feelings than landing back in New York after you’ve been away. Home. What better way to celebrate being here than seeing some excellent shows?
5) 75 Dollar Bill, Condo Fucks at Union Pool
Union Pool’s Summer Thunder series has already had some excellent guests this season and they continue the good work with Union Pool staples 75 Dollar Bill and the Yo La Tengo’s alter ego Condo Fucks who play an array of covers. As usual, things kick off around 3pm and be sure to enjoy some tacos from the El Diablo truck on site. Sunday 3pm
4) Blood Orange, Kelsey Lu at Lincoln Center/Damrosch Park Bandshell
Dev Hynes aka Blood Orange has just released a”mixtape” featuring a swath of special guests, though Dev performed, produced and mixed the entire thing himself. It sounds more low key than previous releases but there’s something refreshing about it. I’m sure this free show at Damrosch Park will attract a crowd so you may need to line up early if you want to snag a seat. Thursday 7:30pm
3) Soccer Cousins, Hurry at Trans-Pecos
This sadly appears to be Soccer Cousins‘ final show, who featured in this column back in February, seems like they’re gone as soon as they were on our radar. I’m also a big fan of Philly trio Hurry, who have some excellent Teenage Fanclub-esque indie-pop records behind them and just put out a 2-song EP Frustrate You. Saturday 7pm
2) Anya Marina at Rockwood Music Hall
Being as engaging between songs as one is performing is becoming a lost art, but Anya Marina has it down, mixing excellent songwriting (and some outright pop delights) with hilarious anecdotes and self-deprecating humour. As an added bonus, attendees at Rockwood Music Hall can get a free download card or CD. Saturday 8:15pm
1) Cayetana, Katie Ellen, Bacchae at Music Hall of Williamsburg
We’re losing another fine band this weekend as Philly’s Cayetana play their final New York show (their final-final show is on Saturday in Philly) before going on an indefinite hiatus. The trio formed in 2011 and released two excellent albums. Don’t miss fellow Philadelphian Katie Ellen and DC punks Bacchae. Friday 8pm
