L.A.

Railcars Covers Kate Bush

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Many musicians have attempted, and failed, to successfully master the art of the cover, and especially that of genius art-pop 80s goddess Kate Bush. But LA-based noise-rocker Aria Jalali, a.k.a. Railcars, was up to the challenge. After a year of raising money through a Kickstarter campaign, Jalali ended up with $893, more than enough money to fund his project. With new equipment, the young musician began recording his own renditions of the 1985 masterpiece.Though there are glimmers of Bush and the 80s in Jalili’s interpretations, he has completely made the album his own. Railcars draped Bush’s sharp, synthetic pop instrumentation from the original with a wall of noise, creating a darker, heavier sound that is more reminiscent of the experimental avant-garde noise-rock of today than the softer, warmer pop of yesteryear. Railcars released his version of "Hounds of Love" on limited edition cassette (100 copies) and vinyl (275 copies) on June 21st through Crash Symbols, and August 8th through AMDiscs, respectively. -Katrina Nattress

 

Philadelphia

Arc In Round’s Jeff Zeigler Performing Solo Set at Vox Populi June 27

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Jeff Zeigler has been keeping busy while Arc In Round’s bassist Chris Coello is on tour with Nightlands opening for Sondre Lerche. Zeigler and the rest of the band just performed a short but oh so sweet set at Nothing’s EP release party last week. He’ll also be performing a rare solo set tonight at Vox Populi sharing the bill with noise artist Mike Shiflet, which is presented by Philadelphia Sound Forum. Arc In Round will be back together again for a mini-tour with Kurt Vile and Woods in July. Vox Populi, 319 N. 11th St. – 3rd Floor, 8pm, $7 – $10, All Ages (Photo by Kristie Krause) – H.M. Kauffman
 
Philadelphia

Cat Vet Ready to Rile Things Up at Empty Space June 27

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Yes, the ladies of Cat Vet might wear their hearts on their sleeves (and Facebook) for cats and the movie Dirty Dancing, but don’t expect them to shy away from a mosh pit or throwin’ down with the boys in Philly’s underground music scene. The local grunge-y, punk trio consisting of Portland transplant Dawn Riddle (who has also sung and played guitar on past Japanther albums), Kristin Hankins, and Jesse Higgins will be bringing their riot grrrl power to Empty Space to rile things up on a Monday night. They’ll be joined by delightful lo-fi songstress Kate Ferencz, the soothing experimental pop of Snow Caps – a fleshed out bedroom project from the mind of Andrew Keller (Hermit Thrushes, Folklore), and Athens singer-songwriter Madeline. Empty Space, 2005 N. Frankford Ave., 7:30pm, $5, All Ages – Alexis V.
 
NYC

Pretty Things

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Youth Rescue Mission are currently wandering around California playing shows, but they’ll be back Seattleside soon- July 15th at the Columbia City Theater to be precise.  In March they released a tight, fragile, self-titled debut LP.  Youth Rescue Mission are at their best when they let the music breathe, creating large-scale atmospherics in the song structure vein of Arcade Fire.  But, instead of having the fist-pumping/pummeling swells of Arcade Fire, they show an impressive amount of restraint when crescendoing, giving their music a more delicate vibe.  Here’s a sample of their softy acoustica side.

 

Philadelphia

Dry Feet Open for Fucked Up & JEFF the Brotherhood at FUC June 26

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I’m lovin’ that local surf punk trio Dry Feet have been crawling out of the basements of Philly onto bigger bills lately. Ha…well, technically their show tonight at the First Unitarian Church is in a basement, but you get my drift. These guys keep it loose and rad so you’ll want the party to continue long after their power-packed set ends! Lucky for us that they are on a sweet lineup with the heavily buzzed about JEFF the Brotherhood and Fucked Up so there will be plenty of more tunes to scramble your brain for the rest of the evening. Summer is here, and you better be there! First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 7:30pm, $12 adv/$13 door, All Ages (Photo by Jenelle) – Alexis V.
 

L.A.

Active Child: You Are All I See

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Pulling from the sky and the sea, Pat Grossi, the man behind the curtain of Active Child, brings forth a new record decorated with emotion and eeriness. Due out on August 23rd, Active Child’s debut album is a mixture of electro-indie-rock that activates the mind, body, and soul. Wielded by choirboy turned indie-pop prodigy Pat Grossi, and producer Ariel Rechtshaid, this first full-length record follows up to Active Child’s 2010 EP release "Curtis Lane". The album’s first single, "Playing House" (ft. How to Dress Well), has hints of synth keyboards and layers of echoing vocals you’d find in an 80s movie. The song sets a pace for an album that demonstrates a commitment to craft and skill that’s all in the name of art. A fresh format of music both tranquil and mysterious, "You Are All I See" will come out under Vagrant Records. – Mary Broadbent

 

Philadelphia

Musical Unity w/Univox at JB’s June 26

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Philly’s own Univox will be the direct support for LA’s Hanni El Khatib this evening at Johnny Brenda’s. The quartet plays wild bluesy punk, moody rockabilly, Beatles-inspired boppy vintage pop, and heavy-hearted alternative rock. Exactly. This band can rock your face off, get your feet moving, or pull at your teenage heartstrings so bad your chest will explode. In the vein of White Denim, this foursome explores the great expanse of musical genres, and succeeds at every attempt. A true alliance, Univox members all play, sing, and write, and have proven themselves as masters of each and every one of their crafts whether it be White Stripe-y wailing electric axes, contemporary Airborne Toxic Event motorcycle punk rock, or sad and angsty 90s grunge, like lead track “Pi” written by Univoxer Joseph Bonaventure III at age 16. Come by JB’s and check out a rocking display of musical union and versatility! Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Jules Friedland
 

Philadelphia

Griz CD Release Party at J.D. McGillicuddy’s Pub June 25

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Affectionately known as Griz (a.k.a. Chris Grunwald), the gentle bear-like musician has lent his talents to a multitude of songwriters on the local music scene. Well, tonight he steps out into the forefront to lead his full band in celebrating the release of his latest album The Secret in the Garden. His melodic folk-tinged tunes are warm, introspective works of self-discovery that gives a feeling of hope to its listeners. Griz will also be surrounded by plenty of his peers and friends this evening at J.D. McGillicuddy’s Pub where you’ll be able to have a special dinner and a meet-and-greet before the entertainment starts. Joining him on the bill will be Cowmuddy, The Spinning Leaves, Ryan Tennis, and Jaclyn Marie as well as plans for an all-star open jam session to close the night out so expect special guests. J.D. McGillicuddy’s Pub, 473 Leverington Ave., 6pm, $10/$15 (w/CD), 21+ (Photo by Lisa Schaffer) – H.M. Kauffman
 
Philadelphia

40th Street Summer Series Kicks Off in University City June 25

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There was always something prolific, radical, and poetic about the late Sun Ra. His futuristic and provocative work as a multi-instrumentalist jazz maestro and bandleader of the Arkestra, which he formed in the mid-1950s, spoke volumes about the never-ending possibilities of sonic innovation. It’s an eclectic and influential spirit that has lived on with Sun Ra Arkestra since his death in 1993. Under the direction of Sun Ra collaborator and all-round genius Marshall Allen for the last two decades, the local ensemble will bring their cosmic avant-garde symphonies to the 40th Street Summer Series, presented by the University City District, The Rotunda, and the University of Pennsylvania. Kicking off tonight with the Arkestra and the fantastic, Dornetta Gary-led West Philly drill team Elegant Cavaliers, the free expanded 2011 music cycle will take place every fourth Saturday until September on the field behind the Walnut Street Free Library. Along with complimentary, first come-first served Rita’s Water Ice provided during performances, City Tap House at the University City Micro Center will offer special deals and outdoor eating in conjunction with the Summer Series—that’s burgers, hot dogs, grilled sausages and $3 Yards draughts, (plus other drink steals) while you soak in some modern tunes. Can’t check out the Arkestra at the two-hour inception? Then pick up the 20-disc box set The Eternal Myth Revealed Vol. 1, out July 18 on Transparency Records. Compiled with Sun Ra Archive Director Michael D. Anderson’s assistance, the collection will feature 400 rare tracks from 1933-1959 and a 100-page paperback. Seriously, get it. It’ll blow your mind. 40th and Walnut Sts. Field (Behind Walnut St Free Library), FREE, 6-8pm, All Ages –Annamarya Scaccia

Philadelphia

Live the Park Life at the Clark Park Music & Arts Festival June 25

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Summer Solstice brings out a lot of special occasions in Philadelphia. But one of the best might just be the 40+ year tradition of University City’s Clark Park Music & Arts Festival. And today’s fest, taking place from noon to sundown, will be extra special—it’s the first to come to Clark Park since the June 16 reopening of the north section between Baltimore and Chester Aves, which underwent major renovations for most of 2010 & 2011. But it’s also unique because it’s the first to see Cloud Entertainment stepping in to help out with booking duties. As a result, the event will see the return of veteran Clark Park Festival bands including Samsara, Serpent Throne, and Dangerbird, as well as plenty of eclectic newcomers. Kicking off that list will be the wistful yet somber pastoral folk of Lion Versus, and, after Samsara injects a metal massacre, Early Ape will swerve things towards some old school indie alt-rock with a melodic pop-experimental twist. Toss in the metal-infused post-punk beats of Psychic Teens, the vintage rock ‘n’ roll swagger of Mountjoy, the lo-fi, reverb-soaked girl-wave smacks of DJ Maria T. Sciarrino’s killer basement DIY project Bedroom Problems, and the catchy indie tunes of Arrah & The Ferns, and it looks like it’s gonna be a beautiful day for some park life—especially when you add in the usual mix of over 40 vendors, artists, and non-profits that the fest manages to attract. Clark Park, 43rd St. & Chester Ave., FREE, Noon-Sundown, All Ages – Bill McThrill




Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, June 24 – 26

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Feed your head this Saturday night at Johnny Brenda’s “FOR PIZZA’S SAKE!: Help Pizza Brain Buy An Oven!” Headlining the benefit will be Neutral Milk Motel, a Neutral Milk Hotel cover band with Aaron Weiss and Greg Jehanian from mewithoutYou, Brian “Brain” Dwyer (ex-Papertrigger), and some of their other musically-inclined pals. They’ll be performing the classic In the Aeroplane Over the Sea in its entirety as well as a few forgotten gems from the band’s catalogue. As The Roots 4th of July festivities are quickly approaching, you can get your fine self ready with Pattern Is Smoothment which will be Pattern Is Movement and friends throwin’ down some of your favorite R&B hits. You’ll also be treated to the new experimental pop project Auctioneer from talented multi-instrumentalist Craig Hendrix (ex-Aderbat, Mammal of Paradise, Birdie Busch) as well as Pizza Face (“an alternate reality where Splinter taught the Turtles to thrash instead of fight”) and The Flying Lasagna Brothers (“two show-off chefs juggle their way through another grueling day in a hot, greasy lasagna kitchen”). Is anyone getting hungry? Well, come to the benefit so Pizza Brain can buy an oven to make you some slices! Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+   
 
Other things to keep you entertained after the heat breaks this weekend…
 
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) SUN Univox
 
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) SUN The Gerunds and The Silence Kit
 
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) SUN Side Show Prophets
 
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI (All Ages) Ecomog and Attack Slug
(Late) The Fallen Troubadours, House Bat, Music Box Dynamo, SAT Andrew Jude, Former Belle, SUN El Fuego
 
M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Streaks of Light, SAT Ports of Call
 
Tritone (1508 South St.) FRI The Friggs and Explosive Heads, SAT Film Star, Gold Crowns, Girls Dressed As Girls, SUN Mi Hed Ur Hed
 
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) FRI The Slotcars, SAT June Divided and Alright Junior, SUN Parachuting Apostles
 
Danger Danger Gallery (5013 Baltimore Ave.) FRI Son Step, SAT Future is Feminine, Holy Ghost, Sir Bacchus, SUN Bookslave, Snowing, Slingshot Dakota
 
The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) FRI Surgeon, SAT Killshot, SUN All Crazy and Finding Fiction
 
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) FRI Sunny Ali & the Kid and Sherman
 
The Station (1550 McKean St.) FRI Thee Nosbleeds and Samsara
 
Triumph Brewery (117 Chestnut St.) FRI Dirk Quinn Band, SAT The Cold Roses
 
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St. Philadelphia) FRI Spacin’, Motorcycle Maus, Stacian, Swimmer’s Ear, SUN SGNLS and Population
 
Bookspace (1113 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Amy Bird Going away Party w/Hezekiah Jones, The Spinning Leaves, Wes Mattheu, Reverend TJ McGlinchey, Ryan Williams and More
 
Pterodactyl (3237 Amber St., 5th FL) SAT Your Children is Beautiful, Manor Lady, The New Heaven and New Earth
 
High Wire Gallery (2040 N. Frankford Ave.) SAT Newton
 
40th Street Summer Series (40th & Walnut St.) SAT Sun Ra Arkestra
 
The Olive Garden (Please contact one of the acts for details.) SAT Dirt Farmer and Point Breeze
 
House Party (Please contact one of the acts for details.) SAT The Deuce-Tre Collective, A.F.G., Theodore Grams, Emmet Drueding, Community Service
 
Clark Park (43rd & Chester Ave.) SAT Clark Park Summer Solstice Festival w/ Lion Versus, Arrah & The Ferns, Mountjoy, Early Ape, Bedroom Problems, and More