No strangers to the Philadelphia music scene, tonight The Cobbs and Like a Fox play Johnny Brenda’s. Blending Led Zeppelin, The Pixies, and Joy Division and cutting their teeth on tour and in the studio with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (BRMC), long time high school friends and band leaders Ryan and Paul Cobb will be performing songs off Sing the Deathcapades, a 10-song serenade dedicated to a friend who passed away during the album’s recording. Like a Fox, led by frontman Jay Laughlin (Lenola), channels prismatic pop colored with electronic and psychedelic undertones, and textured with ambivalent lyrics. Be sure to check out their latest release, Where’s My Golden Arm? Johnny Brenda’s 1201 N. Frankford Ave. 9pm $12 myspace.com/thecobbsthecobbs, myspace.com/likeafoxband – H.M. Kauffman
Dirty Diamond’s Third Annual Vagina Jam at The Khyber Dec. 18
When an artist gives out free vibrators to every woman who attends his show, you already know that he isn’t your typical musician. But that’s just the way Dirty Diamond has rolled for going on three years now. He is the only Neil Diamond cover artist to utilize dirty lyrics, so after he spins classics like "Sweet Caroline" into "Sweet Cocaine Line," you may never look at it in the same way ever again. But it’s all in the spirit of comedy that bridges the gap, and it more than succeeds. He’ll be joined by Bong Hits For Jesus, who just recently released their first full length and have collaborated with the likes of Chuck Treece. Their blend of ska and stoner jam rock will leave you feeling a little bit high. Rounding out the lineup is Action Park, who was named after the ill-fated theme park, and who’s jammed out progressive metal has just as many roller coaster loops. Combine it all with comedian Benny Michaels as the master of ceremonies, and you have a night that you probably shouldn’t forget your headies. The Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9pm, $10, 21+ – myspace.com/dirtydiamondmusic – Bill McThrill
Tu Phace Signed to Sony Music/Epic Records!
So in the world of social networks and TMI, we actually found something interesting in a tweet. Congrats to Tu Phace for signing to Sony Music/Epic Records! Tu Phace was the winner of last year’s Deli Best of Philly Audience Poll and finished third overall. Good luck dealing with the Majors! myspace.com/tuphace – The Deli Staff
Public Record Located at JB’s Dec 16
Public Record will be playing their first show in over a year tonight at Johnny Brenda’s, and what you’ll be treated to is a diverse blend of early disco, shoegaze, afro beat, northern soul, indie pop and then some. With a mix like that, it’s no wonder why their album Echolocation, which was released on Philly’s own High Two, has been met with positive reviews, and inspired an Echolocation remix album utilizing the talents of artists like Fugazi’s Guy Picciotto, Superchunk’s Mac McCaughan, Mazarin’s Quentin Stoltzfus, A Sunny Day in Glasgow, Arc in Round and many more. Speaking of Arc in Round, Public Record will be joined by Jeff Zeigler’s newest project Sounder. So expect your favorite ambient indie pop to get a little more of a freestyle twist. Johnny Brenda’s 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ myspace.com/publicrecord (Photo by Mike Persico) – Bill McThrill
NYC Artists on the rise: Break of Reality
Finally! Something classic and clean streaming through my ear buds. Break of Reality is exactly what their name implies. A break from all of this indie rock madness and a step into the simple eloquent pleasures of a striking clan of cellos. Maybe I’m biased because I played the bowed 4 string as a youngen, but nothing beats the sound of a cello – listen to the bow’s horsehair passionately caressing the strings! These guys are ripping their instruments to shreds with passion – it’s gold! This is cello music you can bang your head to. – CS
Top 15 Chicago Songs of the Year: No. 4
The fourth track on our countdown comes from Judson Claiborne and their yet to be released album Time and Temperature. The song appeared in our inbox last April and then were followed up by this gripping video.
Dough Gillard plays Mercury on 01.05
This album could very well be a relic from the 1960s. Doug Gillard is like the Cat Stevens of 2009 with his deep (sometimes robotic monotone) vocals and classic guitar oldies sound. And he has the music cred to back up his solo endeavors having been a guitarists for Death of Samantha, Lifeguards, Gem, Cobra Verde, Guided by Voices, the list goes on. He has something special to offer as a soloist and Call From Restricted is a chance to hear the pure Gillard sans collaborations. So if you thought his first solo Salamander [2004] was a gem, just play “Time is Nigh” for a song that could very well be on the Harold & Maude soundtrack. Doug Gillard plays the Mercury Lounge on January 05 – CS
Weekly Special #184a: AA Bondy – Back in Bklyn on 02.06
“I was born on False River in Louisiana. Moved around a lot. Joined the merchant marine. Fell off a boat and was rescued by a magical sea turtle. Worked at a Jello factory. Was followed home by a bear cub who I raised and taught how to skydive. His chute failed to open one day and the hole must go all the way to China. After that I moved to New York.”- AA Bondy will play Union Hall on 02.06. Read Erin O’Keefe’s full AA Bondy feature here.
Weekly Special #184b: Spanish Prisoners
Led by vocalist Leo Maymind, Spanish Prisoners blend bubbly psych pop with dark telltale vocals and daydream guitar textures. Recently the band has played shows with the likes of Daniel Johnston, John Vanderslice and Foals. Shortly after their debut Spanish Prisoners expanded with keyboardist Amberly Hungerford, who also contributes with vocals adding even more diversity. They have recently released the “Los Angeles Guitar Dream” EP to a mass of good press, followed by a 7”, with remixes by RAC and Blind Man’s Color. In July they played a residency at the Cameo Gallery sponsored by The Deli and The Music Slut. – Read Stacy Surface interview with the band here.
Top 15 Chicago Song’s of the Year: No. 5
Felix Da Housecat had a big 2009 which only adds to the wonderful career he has already enjoyed. There were so many great tracks to pick from on his 2009 release, He Was King, but ut was the video for "We All Wanna Be Prince" that won us over in the end.
Top 15 Chicago Songs of the Year: No. 6
The sixth song on our countdown comes from a man that is quickly becoming a Chicago icon. In 2009 Andrew Bird released his five studio album, Noble Beast, and the track we have selected is "Anonanimal”.
Top 15 Chicago Songs of the Year: No. 7
The seventh track on our countdown comes from a band that has been mentioned several times on The Deli over the last year. Loyal Divide’s "Vision Vision" is my favorite track from their 2009 EP Labrador.