The term "ghost" encapsulates a lot of ideas. Poltergeists, dead relatives, revenge bent evil spirits, lonely souls with unfinished business, Casper, pixilated Pac-Man enemies… anyway, Brooklyn band Ghost Ghost is like that, in a way. They encapsulate a lot of genres, though they choose to define themselves as freak-folk. Kevin Peckham (vocals, bass, keys) and Karl Ward (vocals, percussion, guitar) lead a mixed bag of musicians and artists on a journey that is both strange and familiar. It would be like seeing a phantom band led by Jeff Buckley and Jerry Garcia fronting a jammy, catchy blend of gentle spirits. Channeling influences as diverse as The Mountain Goats to Leonard Cohen, Ghost Ghost will be at The Knitting Factory on Saturday July 30. Check out their music here. – allison levin
U SAY USA and Jangula play House of Yes on Saturday July 23
There’s an interesting selection of rising Brooklyn bands a the House of Yes on Sat night, within the "Viva Vuvuzela" fest.
U SAY USA, coming off their recent residency at the Trash Bar and appearance at the Northside music festival will be one of the highlights of the night with their indie pop-rock . Also on the line up is Jangula, an excellent BK based band who made our "Best of 2010" list and has been building up their resume with lots of press. Event details here.
Weekend Warrior, July 22 – 24
Oh dear, it’s so freaking hot out–so hot, just opening your window to conserve energy will give you a heat stroke. We probably won’t see a break from this scorching weather for a while (thanks climate change!) but if you’re willing to brave the raging sun and possibility of getting shot in Camden (come on, you live in Philly), sweat your way to the 2011 XPoNential Music Festival at Wiggins Park on the Waterfront. The weekend-long fest will feature a slew of scary talented local acts like crowd (and Deli) favorites Sun Airway, Nicos Gun (read our hilarious recent interview with NG HERE), Kuf Knotz, Queen Electric, buzz-builders Jukebox the Ghost, the smashing team-up of Hezekiah Jones & Andrew Lipke, and the dual-city dwellers Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, who’ll break sonic ground at the Union Transfer unveiling in late September. There are also a few featured national acts that are worthy of a watch, namely Ra Ra Riot, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Keb’ Mo’, Emmylou Harris, and the Smithereens. Just the depth of the diverse lineup should make you forget you’re a UV ray closer to leathery skin, fo’ sure. Wiggins Park at the Waterfront, Mickle Blvd & Riverside Dr. (Camden), Fri – Sun, $20-$65, All Ages
Former Belle Keepin’ It Classy at North Star Bar July 22
Former Belle‘s recently released 6-track EP, Sounds from the Ground, is Americana fun incarnate. The local four-piece combines plucky neo-blue grass and warbly, earnest vocals to create foot-tapping folk, even during their most bittersweet sullen moments, like the willows of "Amsterdam." And they’ll join forces with another equally fun local folk act, the Holcomb Family, tonight at North Star Bar. It should be a classy show. North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Annamarya Scaccia
Title Tracks Headline at KFN July 22
Catchy riffs and rhythmic diction places Title Tracks’ sound somewhere comfortably between indie rock and power pop. Formed in ’08 by ex-Q and Not U’s John Davis, Title Tracks’ pop friendly backbeats are subtly reminiscent of what made Davis’ former outfit so memorable. With the opening lines of songs like “Winner’s Cry,” the persistent thump of drums collides with crisp cymbal and chords, rendering it lush and melodic without being complicated. Much like their lyricism, Title Tracks’ instrumentation is upfront with unfettered charm. Anchored live by a rhythm section consisting of Mike Sneeringer (Purling Hiss, The Loved Ones) on drums and Michael Cotterman (Kid Dynamite) on bass, pop smith gems like “All Tricks” and “No Air” will pair well with the onstage efforts of local favorites Everyone Everywhere. Sincere like a basement show from the late 90s or early 2000’s, consider tonight’s lineup a revamp of all the anthems you cherished in your formative years, but with more craft and legitimate feelings nix any dramatics or exaggerated metaphors. Kung Fu Necktie , 1250 Front St. , 7:30pm, $10, 21+ – Dianca Potts
Hello Hammerhead
The latest project from Matt Ammerman (Cracklin Moth) is called Hello Hammerheads, and it is a different direction for him. Ammerman has partnered with Chris Ploeg to create album that dense and diverse. The nine track journey is called "Greatest Hits" and is available here for free.
Andrew Gray Opens for William Elliott Whitmore at JB’s July 22
As an artist formerly known as Hellmouth, Andrew Gray has achieved modest success while touring with the venerable folk outfit Hoots & Hellmouth. But after years of boot stomping rollicking shows with the group, Gray made the tough decision to leave the already established and much-beloved band to venture off alone to perform his own music. The end result is stripped-down acoustic acoustic that does justice to his folk background, as well as songwriting in its purest form. And when Gray opens for William Elliott Whitmore tonight at Johnny Brenda’s, it will be his biggest show to date while embarking upon the new chapter in his musical career. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Bill McThrill
Ticket Giveaway: US Royalty @ 9:30 Club July 29
DC’s own rock & rollers US Royalty have been jamming out their hits off their debut album Mirrors all over the summer fest circuit with more to come, but most importantly- they’ll be hitting the 9:30 Club stage Friday July 29. And 9:30 wants to make sure you get in on it, so we’ve got some passes to this show! All you have to do is email us, and let us know what your favorite US Royalty song is and why, by 6 PM on Wednesday July 27. The winner will be chosen at random, emailed back, and announced on this blog.
Check out this sweet video for the track "Equestrian" off Mirrors, now available. Photo By: Geordy Pearson
Honest Haloway Debuts Video
Since DC’s the Vita Ruins recent departure from the stage (aw!!), mulit-instrumetalist Tim Kratzer has moved on to a new solo project called Honest Haloway. With this project, Kratzer can focus on sharing his art as soon as he finishes, rather than waiting to record, master, etc etc etc entire albums. With a foot in the world of music since age 11, he can pretty much do it all, and this debut video for "What I Leave Behind" off the upcoming EP The Towns makes us want to see and hear what awesomeness he’ll come up with next. (Shot and directed by Tim Kratzer and Sara Nabizadeh.) –Dawn
Last Minute Plans: Chaperone @ Lincoln Hall
If you are looking to hear some quality local music tonight you should head over to Lincoln Hall and check out Chaperone with Animal City, Geronimo!, and Mutts. The show is just $10 and everyone that attends will receive a free raffle ticket for free merch from all the bands.
SPIN Magazine’s Nirvana Tribute Album, feat. JEFF
There’s been lots of buzz around town this week about the Nirvana tribute album that SPIN Magazine just released, mainly because our local punk rockers, JEFF the Brotherhood were included on it. They chose to cover "Something In the Way," and we have no qualms about saying that their track is the best on the album. Hands down. Jessica Lea Mayfield, Amanda Palmer, and Surfer Blood weren’t too bad either. The album is free to download, however–all you have to do is "Like" SPIN’s Facebook page–so you should check it out anyway and decide for yourself. Thank you kindly, SPIN.–Deli Editor
New Summer Jam from DJ Wick-It
Wick-It the Instigator has delivered a dope new track just in time for the heat to kick in! It’s called, "Bad Grease," and it’s a mashup of Frankie Vallie, Michael Jackson, Raekwon, Montell Jordan, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Neneh Cherry. As always, the new tune is available on Wick-It’s Soundcloud page, along with all of his other mashups and full-length sets, which are available to download. For free!–Deli Editor