Stone Jack Jones is preparing to release his third album, on March 4th. It is 11 sleepy tracks, influenced by his varied life experiences, which unfurl with the slow, fascinating pace of bubbles in a lava lamp. Members of Lambchop, “Nashville’s most f****d-up country band,” make an appearance in this record, as well Patty Griffin contributing background vocals. All can be heard on “State I’m In” which can be considered a gateway to Jones’ little universe. “Ancestor” plays like an audible scrapbook: memories mixed with moods interspersed with random sounds that are significant in a way that may no longer be remembered. It’s beautiful in its intimacy, but little electronic touches here and there elevate it to a cosmic level. Basically, it’s a folk album recorded inside the TARDIS. –Terra James-Jura
Philadelphia
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Man Man & Banned Books Providing Beautiful Insanity at Underground Arts Dec. 29
So, Man Man is returning to Philly this Sunday for a performance, and as always, it’s sort of a big deal. Not only are they amongst that select pantheon of local bands that have achieved wider renown, but they’re also arguably one of the cornerstones of our weird, wonderful indie rock community. Each song in their library is a sublime blending of straightforward rock and some sort of manic hallucination. Seeing them is like being hit over the head with a melody, after which you might be hit with more literal objects, because that’s the sort of thing Man Man does. They’ll be bringing this beautiful insanity to the Underground Arts tonight, joined by the harmonically berserk Banned Books, an outfit that mixes the intensity of a ska band with the composition of a boundary-pushing indie one. Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St., 8pm, $25, 21+ – Daniel Ludwig
Philadelphia
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mewithoutYou Close Out 2013 w/an Intimate Sold-out Show at JB’s Dec. 29
As 2013 draws to a close, tonight offers a somewhat rare opportunity to see experimental quintet mewithoutYou in the ever-intimate setting of Johnny Brenda’s. Bouncing between or blending and bending genre boundaries, the group performs Aaron Weiss’ distinctly crafted narrative tales focused on delivering meaningful messages. The complex, personal-feeling songs bathe in a mixture of intense post-hardcore roots and smooth enriching melody. That undeniably powerful intensity where words and instruments work in unison becoming music that engulfs the listener in memorable moments with the crowd hanging on every word, riff and drumbeat. Those fortunate enough to have tickets to this sold-out affair are subject to a musical sermon that they won’t soon forget. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, Sold Out, 21+ (Photo by Amie Stanavicca) – Michael Colavita
Philadelphia
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Kat Kat Phest Kicks Off w/The Hundred Acre Woods at Golden Tea House Dec. 28
The second annual Kat Kat Phest (presented by Kat Kat Records) kicks off tonight at Golden Tea House. The four-day event includes 7 shows boasting 40 bands in various locations. The Phest, which is an all-ages affair, represents an excellent, affordable opportunity to embrace the local DIY scene while also catching touring acts, with all tickets in the $3 – $10 range. Day one features local alt-country folksters The Hundred Acre Woods, whom intermingle the comfort of traditional string jangly Americana with occasionally assertive up-tempo punk flavored accents. They will be joined by an array of bands including New Jersey punk mainstays By Surprise, whose performance will be their last for a while as they work on their next LP. Golden Tea House, (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.), 6pm, $5 – $7, All Ages – Michael Colavita
L.A.
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Stream: Emily Reo, ‘Olive Juice’ LP
Though she spent her formative years in Orlando, Emily Reo’s ‘Olive Juice’ is doused in the haze of west coast dream pop. Her synth-manipulated songwriting is in a constant state of ease, never hurried nor rushed, simply content to lilt along in a dream state. Her arrangements gather you up gently and swirl in reverse until you aren’t sure which way is up. While her sound can be described at times as ambient, or lo-fi, the layers and textures push and pull throughout each song – especially on "Peach," where there is a flurry of activity. Reo has been toying around with the songs on ‘Olive Juice’ since 2009. The current collection of arrangements feels complete – you can almost sense her satisfaction at seeing them through to their maturation. While references can be made to Imogen Heap, Beach House and even Postal Service, Reo is in a league all her own, creating beautiful masterpieces filled with passionate experimentation. Stream the entire ‘Olive Juice’ album on her bandcamp, out now on Elestial Records. – Jacqueline Caruso
NYC
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CREEP releases debut album “Echoes,” plays Glasslands on 01.07
Blending the glacial sound of digital instruments with the warmth of soul ballads, Brooklyn duo CREEP doesn’t sound as creepy as their name suggests. Rather, slow and haunting. Their long awaited debut album "Echoes" gathers the three singles the band released since 2010 (which garnered a good amount of attention), and seven new tracks. Following a modus operandi reminiscent of Trip-Hop pioneers Massive Attack, in each song the band employs a slew of different guest musicians, singers in particular, although the choice of vocalists seems to be almost exclusively reserved to (soulful) female singers. The result is an atmospheric record that blends the ghostly overtones of slow goth bands like This Mortal Coil and Cranes with elements of synth pop and soul music. See CREEP live at Glasslands on January 7.
San Francisco
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The Deli SF’s Top 10 New Year’s Eve Events
Don’t have any plans yet for New Year’s? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. From small rock clubs to thousand seat theaters, here is a quick guide to the best New Year’s Eve concerts around the Bay Area.
Everyone is Dirty – The Night Light – $10
Oakland’s Everyone is Dirty bring their grunge influenced indie-pop to The Night Light with local bands El Elle, Light Thieves and Electric Magpie. Lead singer Sivan Gur-Arieh’s haunting vocals and violin playing are strangely mesmerizing—imagine Jenny Lewis’s evil twin.
The Melvins and Redd Kross – Great American Music Hall – $40
The seminal Seattle sludge metal band, The Melvins will be performing at the GAMH along with power punkers Redd Kross. King Buzzo and company will definitely be playing the heaviest music going down anywhere this New Year’s
The Devil Makes Three – The Catalyst – $35 in adv / $40 at the door
The stomp-folk string trio will perform their whiskey soaked brand of americana at a New Year’s run at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz. Known for their raucous live shows, The Devil Makes Three are the perfect house band for a night of drunken revelry.
The Fresh & Onlys and Vetiver – The Chapel – $25 in adv / $30 at the door
These two local indie favorites are booked for a double bill along with local opening acts Sun Araw and Pure Bliss. It’s been a while since Vetiver has performed in SF and this New Year’s show will be the perfect homecoming.
Danny Brown – The Mezzanine – $45
If you’re looking to get truly ‘effed up to ring in the New Year, then this is the show for you. The audacious, drugged-out rapper has a reputation for his insane live sets and this New Year’s at The Mezzanine should not disappoint.
The Brothers Comatose – Slim’s – $30
The Brothers Comatose is a local string band who combine their legit bluegrass chops with an infectious folk-rock energy. The band treats each show like a house party and is sure to make the Slim’s dance floor feel as intimate as their living room.
Calexico – The Fillmore – $65
The desert rock troubadours will be performing at the sacred ground of The Fillmore Auditorium with LA’s Las Cateras. Fresh off the release this fall’s Algiers, the band has added to their catalogue of epic ballads of the southwestern borderlands.
Glitter Wizard – Hemlock Tavern – $12 in advance / $15 at the door
The intimate Hemlock Tavern is one of the coolest local music venues in the city. Psychedelic glam warriors Glitter Wizard along with fellow rockers Pins of Light and Ovvl look to melt your face at this tiny rock club.
The Generationals – Bottom of the Hill – $22 in adv / $25 at the door
Hailing from New Orleans, The Generationals combine jangly guitars and synth sounds to craft immediately catchy indie-pop songs. They’ll be performing with local opening acts The Frail and Nova Albion.
Primus – Fox Theater – $65
Primus and the Frog Brigade Ensemble explore the music of Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. Enough said.
L.A.
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Cherry Glazerr unleash their debut LP in January
Fuzz pop trio Cherry Glazerr are one of the most hotly-tipped acts in the local garage scene, having opened for acts such as Mikal Cronin, The Black Lips, and likeminded residents Bleached. The band balances a heavy ration of noise that’s both sour and sweet, carried by a visceral punk energy and whip-smart melodies that are stripped to their primal essence. The songs on their upcoming debut album, "Haxel Princess", take on a nineties throwback sound in the best sense of the term, best represented in their gnarled, yet fluid compositional elements. It’ll be released through Burger Records on January 14th.
Philadelphia
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Weekend Warrior, December 27 – 29
So I’ve been really looking forward to attending this weekend’s Weekend Warrior pick. Not only is it a sweet, stacked, locals-only lineup this Saturday with Grandchildren, Night Panther and Purples (ex-Teeth), but it will also take place in my favorite sounding room in Philly, The Boot and Saddle. (Sorry folks, sounds like there might be a new sheriff in town so it might be time for other venues to step up their game.) You should already know how great Grandchildren and Night Panther are live on stage from our anniversary showcases. And older heads (in the know) might still remember how The Teeth helped Philly build its reputation as a “hot” music scene (well, according to Rolling Stone many moons ago) before the floodgates opened. Don’t sleep on this one! You don’t want to leave 2013 like that because I know you’re better than that. The Boot and Saddle, 1131 S. Broad St., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Q.D. Tran
Other places to escape the chill (again) this weekend…
The Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI The Reckless Dodgers, Johnny Neutrino and The Secret Weapon, Witch Fist, SAT Clamfight, Wizard Eye, Screaming Rattler, SUN Bel Heir
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) SAT Frog Holler, Mason Porter, Ataloft, SUN mewithoutYou
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) (Upstairs) Limecell, Thee Nosebleeds, (Downstairs) Sunburster, SAT Time Hitler, SUN (Upstairs) Gatherings, (Downstairs) Drone Ranger
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) SUN Man Man, Banned Books
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI RK$TDY
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Black Stars, The Once Was, Air Is Human, SAT Adlib, Mercy Gang, Split Divo, SUN (All Ages) Marietta, Smoother, Leaky Soups, (Late) Combine, Timbers
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Black Dirty, SAT Ryan Tennis and the Clubhouse Band, Casey Alvarez
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI The WhiskeyHickon Boys, SAT (Downstairs) The Parsnip Revolt, Fooling April, (Upstairs) Brethren, Canyon, Jake Lewis and The Clergy, Wayfarer Experiment, Jesse Baker, SUN Philadelphia Jug Band
The Blockley (3801 Chestnut St.) SAT Long Miles, The Racket Boys, SUN A Funky Farewell w/Everyone Orchestra, Luke the Knife, The Underwater Sounds, CARLsound, The Bailey Hounds
TLA (334 South St.) FRI Swift Techinque, SUN Illinois, Underwater Window Garden
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) FRI Ghost Ghang Holiday Charity Show w/P64, Andy Kavanaugh, SAT Makhaira, Gape, Transonic, Big Stall, Native Frequencies
M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) FRI I Am Khalif, Custelo, Dan Exactly, SAT FLINTface, Working Class Villians
Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) FRI Ken Kweder, SAT The Ben Vaughn Quintet, Dan Montgomery
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI Keystone Mountain Boys, SAT Sylvia Platypus
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) FRI SandCastle, Friends with Murder, Time Hitler and the Assholes from Space, Combine
JR’s Bar (2327 S. Croskey St.) SAT Spent Flesh, Ruby Buff
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) SAT Underwater Country Club, Skeleton Frames, Band Books (Feat. Steph Hayes)
Golden Tea House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT The Hundred Acre Woods, Young & Heartless
San Francisco
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Down and Outlaws Down Dirty Shake and Psychic Jiu Jitsu Play the Brick and Mortar Music Hall TONIGHT
Tonight at San Francisco’s Brick and Mortar Music Hall, you’re in for an evening of heavy rock that’s going to float over your holiday season with a psychedelic and soulful haze. Down Dirty Shake has an experimental soul sound that is unique, dirty and sensually garagey. If you’re into The Doors and dark soulful rock, you’ll totally get into their music. Down and Outlaws swing more to the country spectrum in regards of their soulful southwestern style ballads that are creative and a bit chilling. Finally, opening the show is Psychic Jiu Jitsu, a new face melting psych rock outfit. They play their instruments loud, fast and heavy, permeating more of a classic psych sonic atmosphere. They put on a great live show.
We totally recommend you make it out to Brick and Mortar to check out this awesome line up. –je
Philadelphia
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Album Review: Bom Tugangu – Needle Points
Needle Points is a band from an alternate universe in which the 70’s never ended. They’re not so much reminiscent of groups like Zeppelin and The Who as just sounding like their natural progression. The band’s debut release Bom Tugangu is the kind of music you would play at barbeques of days past – the sort involving El Caminos and at least one American flag bikini top. And despite that fact, the album makes absolutely no effort to put on airs or to qualify itself as anything beyond straight, dirty rock; there’s a certain cleverness at play here.
One could very easily call Needle Points unoriginal, and they would technically be accurate. But what needs to be understood is that assertion would be preceded by the phrase “refreshingly.” We’re living in a period where every band has to push the envelope in some way, and it’s honestly great to see one leave the envelope alone and focus on the craft itself. All too often albums feel the need to be an experimental post-something with elements of some type of other genre. But the energy that any other band would put towards rockin’ differently; Needle Points puts towards rocking better. Each song is positively thick with instrumental content. The guitar alternatively echoes and howls. The bass line swells and breaks with an almost oceanic quality. Collie Halloways vocals are potent yet understated. Even between the immediate interchange of songs like “Cocoanut” and “Biting At The Rose,” there’s a monumental amount of range on display. And it never seems to feel any pressure to be angst-ridden or deconstructive or even particularly cool; it’s just upbeat, straightforward rock ‘n’ roll – the kind that really earns that “n” in the title.
And these aren’t just kind words of consolation for a dopey band. Needle Points knows exactly what it’s doing, and go about it with an understated wink. Listen to Bom Tugangu enough, and you really start to hear the tongue in their collective cheek. Guitar riffs sound a little too close to something out of a Deep Purple song to be accidental (particularly in “Child Is Wild”), and are entirely too intricately constructed to be considered derivative. Eventually, the whole endeavor starts to very much sound like a loving tribute/send-up to the foundations of modern music; evocative enough to be reminiscent, but building off of that enough to be original. Needle Points is, at the end of the day, a band with the confidence to showcase its originality within the confines of the subtext. – Daniel Ludwig
Portland
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The Quick and Easy Boys at Doug Fir 12.27
The Quick & Easy Boys are easily one of the most talented bands around. All of their songs are high energy, hard to label, and hard to put in a neat little box (but hey, that is part of what makes these guys so great to listen to!). The substantial talent of each band member comes together to produce phantasmagoric sound. Each band member brings something unique to the table and what it produces is a sound that will put a smile on your face. I particularly enjoy the funk elements woven into some of the songs which adds an old-school something extra. And live? Well seeing the Quick & Easy Boys live is a must. Their stage presence and energy are hallmarks of a band that is passionate and cares about their music. The good news is you have the chance to see them on December 27th at the Doug Fir. If you haven’t already seen the Quick & Easy Boys get out there and see what it’s all about. If you have seen the Quick & Easy Boys, go again! The show won’t be quick, and the music they play damn sure ain’t easy but you’ll be glad you went. – Cory Heunnekens