Philadelphia

The Roots Welcome America on the Ben Franklin Parkway!

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Happy 4th of July! It’s party time folks! Well, I support party time anytime, but independence, beer, BBQs and The Legendary Roots is certainly a reason to celebrate. Now, I don’t kid myself. It’s probably hard to get yourself pumped up when you are opening for the Poo Poo Dolls with a handful of songs so we might get “a take the money and run”/”the festival” set. But The Roots have a hot new album, How I Got Over, that their hustlin’ so it would certainly be in their best interest to throw down tonight. (I’m sending good vibes with the video above.) Just have a backup plan for when their set is over. It’s sad that Sheryl Crow doesn’t sound that bad this year. Wawa Welcome America, Ben Franklin Parkway, 8pm, FREE, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman  

 

 

Philadelphia

“Besties” Chang Chang & ‘tine-‘tine at JR’s July 3

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I’m definitely very thankful about the response that The Deli has been receiving here in Philly. You kind of write about things that you like and let it go into the abyss of the internet never really knowing if anyone will ever see it, but it seems people do. One of the things that I think that The Deli is great for, and I’m always surprise when bands have never thought of doing this before is finding other artists who have similar tastes and trading shows. Having done booking in Philly before, it amazed me how disconnected artists and scenes were from each other, even though they consisted of like-minded people. What I hope is that The Deli provides a place for musicians, fans, industry peeps, music lovers, etc. to discover each other and foster a community that deserves to have a voice. Check out The Deli sites in other cities! I’m sure that you’ll find like-minded people doing what you’re doing and wondering how they can find others like themselves outside the confines of their seemingly small city. So reach out to them – share shows, fans, thoughts, jokes, bodily fluids, whatever builds good relations! 
 
 
Sorry about the pep rally rant, it was inspired by the two featured artists of this write-up. I discovered ‘tine-‘tine a while back clicking through people’s top friends in MySpace (yes, even though you never go into your account, MySpace is still an easy way to check out new music). I instantly knew we shared that same feeling. It’s that feeling in the pit of your stomach when you are about to say something so wrong, but it feels so right. To me, it’s pure comedy (or pure evil ;o). And when I came across Chang Chang (“who’s more of a standup comedian than a standup guy”) performing in the park down the street from my favorite taco place Taco Loco (on 4th and Washington – don’t be afraid of the RV – their tacos are delicious), I knew that they belonged together so I wrote about them in my Artist(s) Who Deserve Your Friendship column. Well, they found each other through the write-up, and are now “besties”. Now, if only they’d collaborate on some material together already. Well, part of my wish has come true because tonight they’ll be sharing the same bill together at JR’s. I’m sure that the Bonnie and Clyde of hip hop hilarity will have the room crackin’ up before the evening is over. JR’s, 2327 S. Croskey St., 9pm, $5, 21+ (Chang Chang Photo by Ryan Scott) – Q.D. Tran
 

 

Philadelphia

The Homophones Wishing America a Happy B-Day at Tritone July 3

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Hey, uh, here’s a little secret I’m willing to let you in on: if you head on over to Tritone, there’s a party happening. The Homophones are playing. Sure, Jason Ferraro’s firm baritone may sound a bit like Matt Berninger from The National or some other super-serious band, but their melodramatic tunes are more tongue-in-cheek than actual drama. That light, shuffling guitar layered atop those springy synths always seems to hit the spot, especially when accompanied with lyrics about David Foster Wallace or Polish thugs "on my corner, selling drugs." But the party doesn’t stop there! Some friends, namely Eddie Austin, Julia Factorial and The Legendary WID will be spinning some records to dance to (and presumably, The WID will pull out those props and perform some comedy). And just when you think it couldn’t possibly get better…sparklers, cupcakes, balloons and drink specials galore. There’s pretty much no excuse for not going. Well, maybe if you hate to have fun. In that case, we thank you ahead of time for not coming and bringing us down. Tritone, 1508 South Street, 9pm, $7, 21+ – Joe Poteracki
 

 

Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, June 2 – 4

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Happy birthday USA! If you’re anything like Team America, then by now you’re probably itching to find something that’s a little more “Fuck Yeah!” than the Goo Goo Dolls. [We think it’s time to get rid of the douchebag(s) stuck in the 90s booking this 4th of July Parkway thing.] And fortunately the Danger Danger crew have a red, white and blue celebration that’s sure to have you boogying your socks off in a stupor! The distorted beats and haunting tribal call of U.S. Girls will have you shaking your flag in a frenzy. Meanwhile the good ol’ boys behind Levee Drivers will be bringing out that drunken hillbilly in ya as they churn out a bit of Johnny Cash influenced Americana with their rockin’ country flare. Toss in some action packed sets from visiting bands like O’Death, Skeletonbreath (special nod to hometown boy Grandchildren’s Tris behind the drum set), and Drunken Tigers – add in an epic beer-BQ, and your sure to be seeing plenty of fireworks as well as stars and stripes (wait, who put the acid in my beer this time?). But don’t party too hard, because you won’t want to miss the dance beats happening across the street at Elena’s immediately afterwards. Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 1pm, $5-$10, All Ages
 
Exercise your right to be independent and go somewhere fun this weekend…
 
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI In Grenada CD Release Party w/Busses and New Motels
 
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI Smiles and Everyone
 
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI North Lawrence Midnight Singers and Josh Olmstead
 
M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Hair Rocket
 
The Khyber (56 S. 2nd St.) FRI High Kick and Johnny Action Figure, SAT The Danger O’s, Crazy Man Crazy, Big Terrible
 
Tritone (1508 South St.) FRI The Homophones, SAT Fourth Of July Show w/ Thee Nosebleeds, Baptist Preachers, and more
 
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI Dani Mari and Boy Wonder

Danger Danger Gallery (5013 Baltimore Ave.) FRI Bandname and Eskimeaux

 
JR’s Bar (2327 S. Croskey St.) SAT ‘tine-‘tine and Chang Chang
 
The Ellen Powell Tiberino Museum (3819 Hamilton St.) FRI Radio Eris, Northern Liberties, Da Comrade!, and much, much more
 
Welcome America Celebration (Ben Franklin Parkway) SUN The Roots
 

 

Philadelphia

In Grenada CD Release Party at JB’s July 2

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Yes, In Grenada wants you to start the partying this weekend with them tonight when they celebrate the release of their debut album Break. It’s full of feel good pop begging to be the soundtrack to your summer. They’ve recruited a couple of The Deli favorites to join them (whom also happened to release most excellent albums themselves this year) when they invade JB’s for a fun-filled evening. Busses’ bombastic psychedelic rock will get you pumped up while New Motels’ well-crafted, classic feeling tunes may induce spontaneous sing-alongs as well as hoots and hollers that will keep the party rollin’. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9:30pm, $10, 21+ – H.M. Kauffman
 

 

Philadelphia

Hair Rocket Starting the Fireworks Early at M Room July 2

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If you’re looking for something to do after First Friday tonight, then shoot on over to the M Room for Hair Rocket. Led by mad man/multi-instrumentalist/Berklee dropout Chris Blasucci, powerpop never felt so cathartic as he takes you on “a young girl’s strange, erotic journey from Milan to Minsk”. No – really – Hair Rocket is a damn good time! You might not get to experience a launching of a 4 ft. hair rocket like at this year’s Molestice (don’t need to kill another Great White fan if they happen to be in the room, you know that they are a dying breed), but you’ll still go home with a bang for the beginning of this 4th of July weekend. M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 9pm, $8, 21+ – H.M. Kauffman

 

 

Philadelphia

Insert Bandname Here at DDG July2

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North Philly three-piece Bandname is summer personified. Energized percussion with a side of garage rock charm, local favorites keep it DIY with tracks like the endearing “Excitable Boy” with its quasi-punk hooks and riffs. With an ironically iconic band name, Bandname’s stage presence is pure fun. Reminiscent of Tsunami Bomb, this dynamic trio is bound to please. Having opened for equally lo-fi acts like the lovely Vivian Girls, Bandname channels their inner Pavement for “Land War” while managing to mellow out for “Smile”. Add in laid back ballads by Philly/New York outfit Eskimeaux, and you’ve got a deadly concoction equivalent to a musical speedball. Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 9pm, $5 – $10 donation, All Ages – Dianca Potts
 

 

Philadelphia

Radio Eris Host Multimedia Event at Tiberino Museum July 2

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Radio Eris, Northern Liberties, and Da Comrade! are all no strangers to integrating multimedia, theatrics, art, and fan interaction into their sets. So when all three collide all of the above together for one truly madcap show within the confines of the suitably surreal courtyard of the Ellen Powell Tiberino Museum, they’ll be doing it within their element. This bold show will also feature video screenings from Jon F. Allen and others, live art creations to the beat of Blueberry Crush, a performance by Iris Senseless, body painting and so much more. Combine it with the ghost punk barrage of Northern Liberties, the psychedelic war paint tinged thrash of Da Comrade!, and the theatrical space rock of Radio Eris – art and music are destined to come together in ways that you haven’t seen before! Ellen Powell Tiberino Memorial Museum, 3817 Hamilton St., 8pm, $6, All Ages (Photo by Delia Gable) – Bill McThrill
 

 

Philadelphia

The Deli’s CD of the Month: Tremble the Sails – Buried Beds

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It’s hard not to listen to Buried Beds’ sophomore album, Tremble the Sails, without wondering how a duo-to-quintet from West Philadelphia could craft such an exuberant ‘60s AM pop record. Offered as a donation-only digital download and for-sale physical release, the folk-pop outfit’s follow-up to 2006’s Empty Rooms is an unswerving love affair with sun-lit harmonies and pastoral melodies – from the swelling opener “Steady Hands” to the playful piano-heavy “Breadcrumb Trails” and all the satiated musical passages in between (i.e. “Your Modern Age”). But what’s best about Tremble the Sails is the lack of continuity in its consistency. Mixed by The Spinto Band’s Nick Krill, the overall delicate charm of Buried Beds’ latest effort is affably rattled by expressive upsurges of satiated symphonies, like on the melancholy Beatles-esque “Mother”, and bittersweet “Grandma’s Bow”. And if only one thing can be said about Tremble the Sails, it’s that it represents the better parts of this city – where underneath streets dusted with tension and grit, there’s a hidden beacon of hopefulness. – Annamarya Scaccia

Philadelphia

Night Train with Blood Feathers at KFN July 1

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It’s another Night Train dance party tonight at Kung Fu Necktie with special guests Blood Feathers and hosts Ian St. Laurent and Dennis Wolffang. Blood Feathers are the first and lone act signed to the fledgling Philebrity Label. They play traditional upbeat rock ‘n roll with catchy pop hooks, adorned with sweet twangy blues guitar alluding to some deep southern roots, as demonstrated best in their song, “Great God Almighty”. Running the road, knee-shaking kisses, black and white photographs, and your grandmother’s broach will all remind you of their traditional yet universal songs. Their crowd-pleasing sound will certainly be rockin’ the stage this evening! Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 Front St., 10pm, $5, 21+ – Katie Bennett
 

 

Philadelphia

Univox Droppin’ the Lethal Harmonies at KFN June 30

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Frenetic and robust rock locals Univox are coming to Kung Fu Necktie tonight. Many of their songs show the bands vocal versatility with four different members taking turns rockin’ the mic. Each voice distributes their energy in different ways highlighting the many strengths and vast post-pop sensibilities. I prefer the baritone who muses over the frantic sounds of “Everybody Knows”. By the looks of them it is the extra large Josh ‘The Mongolian” Jones who is responsible for the voice, but big things come in little packages no matter what that bitch said the other night. They can create scrappy garage rock in the vein of the Stooges or barnstorm with the best of them. They’ll be joining experimental noise-pop outfit Hermit Thrushes. Univox are currently promoting their debut ST album on NY’s indie label ROIR. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 Front St., 8pm, $8, 21+ (Photo by Dennis Manzanedo)- Adam G.

 
Philadelphia

Cold Cave & Vile Join Reunited Guided by Voices at Matador’s B-Day Party!

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It’s no surprise that newbies to the Matador family Cold Cave and Kurt Vile will be part of the label’s 21st Birthday Party showcase lineup in Las Vegas Oct 1-3, but no one probably expected Guided by Voices ("the classic ’93 – ’96 lineup") would reunite for this momentous occasion. They’ll also be joined by indie heavyweights and buzz acts like Pavement, Sonic Youth, Belle & Sebastian, Spoon, Cat Power, Yo La Tengo, the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, the New Pornographers, Girls, Superchunk, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, Guitar Wolf, Fucked Up, Shearwater, Harlem, Cold Cave, Kurt Vile, Jeffrey Joe Jenson, and many more to be announced. Looks like Matador will be doing their 21st birthday right in Sin City! Hopefully no hookers will die at this party. – Q.D. Tran