Thursday is fast approaching, and all of you weekend warriors are gearing up to make the pilgrimage downtown to get a fix of what you need. Chances are that if you have surfed your way over here, (at least) one of those things is live music-so let Doc VI prescribe a few alternatives.
Thursday night you have yourself a bit of a choice. Joan Wasser (aka Joan as Policewoman) is performing the third installment of her month long residency at The Living Room. Joan frequently collaborates with Rufus Wainwright, performing in his band and occasionally doubling as his opener. If you need more credentials, she was the violinist on Antony & The Johnsons' stunning album I Am a Bird Now. I have seen her perform in Rufus's band twice thrice (and open for him once), and while I have been impressed with her voice and multi-instrumental ability (guitars and piano in addition), I have been less so by the stylistic choices she makes in writing her songs. I'm going to give her another fair shake (and also because I heard Antony may show up). You can hear a few of her songs here.
For the rest of the weekend's pics (including Hopewell, The Head Set and The Diggs click "Continue Reading" below...
Another act Thursday night that may be worth your time is Hopewell, a local band with a great sound, offering rock with psychadelic leanings, drawing most noticeably from The Flaming Lips and The Beatles. They are playing an opening set at Pianos (which is right down the street from The Living Room-make it a two-fer like me!) for Lolita Bras (who are in the middle of their own residency there). Hopewell's link turned up in my inbox this week and the little that I heard convinced me it'd be worth my time to bounce on over if I can manage it...Take a listen at their site.
Friday night The Head Set is giving a free show at Crash Mansion. These guys played an impressive set opening for Editors at the Mercury Lounge and are worth checking out. Here's a taste of what you can expect...
MP3 Masala: "Enemies"-The Head Set
Saturday night I'll be attending the sold out Broken Social Scene show at Webster Hall, the last of a three night stand. I'm looking forward to this one (I can't stop listening to You Forgot It In People and last year's eponymous release), but if you aren't among the lucky ticket holders then might I suggest another NYC local band, The Diggs. A few of their mp3's turned up in my inbox last week as a tip, and while most of the stuff I get is difficult to listen to, these guys were a welcome standout. Take a listen to "Everyone's Starting Over" from their full length debut Commute. The arrangement may be reminescent of Bloc Party, but when the vocals kick in you hear their distinctive flair, a near Goo-Goo Dolls-ishness (and I mean that in the best possible way, really). See them at Mercury Lounge at 9:30 with Field Music. Here's a taste...
MP3 Masala: "Everyone's Starting Over"-The Diggs
See you out there.
totally agree w/ your take on the Diggs. that's gonna be a good show.
Posted by: hawkeye | January 26, 2006 at 12:15 AM
Their songs (and his voice) keep going through my head. That's usually a good sign...
I really wish I could be in two places at once-but that's nothing new.
Posted by: Village Indian | January 26, 2006 at 09:31 AM