What’s Going On?

Click on the turntable on the left to listen to a continuous stream of music featured on Pretty Much Amazing - updated every day. For more, you can check out the Best Songs of 2012.

In NY: The Bowery Ballroom is the place to be this week, with shows from The Rosebuds (Friday night), FRIGHTENED RABBIT (!) (Saturday night), and Department of Eagles (Monday night), and ANIMAL COLLECTIVE (Next Wednesday night). Granted, the Bowery is kind of the place to be every week.

But don’t think the Bowery is your only option this week! You’ve got Animal Collective playing their first NYC show of ’09 at the Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom on Tuesday. Also Tuesday, party to the music of Fucked Up at the Market Hotel. And don’t forget about the best show of the week, next Wednesday (January 21st) at the Bell House. Recap-rockers Previously On Lost will be playing their odes to Jack, Sawyer, Locke, etc. at their SEASON PREMIERE PARTY for the greatest television show on air. You’ll watch the two hour premiere event first, and then finish it off with an awesome concert.

And, the FLEET FOXES are playing SNL this week! How awesome is that?

In LA: A slow week for music in the wonderful LA area. Delta Spirit, who released one of the great under appreciated albums of  ’08, will be playing their Cold War Kids-esque brand of soul over at the El Ray Theater on Friday. On Tuesday, The Walkmen, who released a very much appreciated album in ’08, will be playing the Henry Fonda Theater with Beach House, and judging by their Pitchfork.tv performance, will be playing it well.

Other than that, go see Slumdog Millionaire Revolutionary Road. If you know of any other awesome concerts in L.A., post away!

In Chicago: The Tomorrow Never Knows festival is going down ALL WEEK at Schubas, with headliners like The Soft Pack (who used to be The Muslims), Bear Hands, The Republic Tigers, Department of Eagles, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, and Bishop Allen). By all means, make an effort to get to at least one night.

Other great concerts are taking place as well, with The Hold Steady jamming at the House of Blues on Thursday night, and The Killers asking the audience whether they are Human or Dancer at the UIC Pavillion on Tuesday.

In Sydney: So remember how last week, Australia was awesome? It’s still awesome. Bon Iver is mellowing out the City Recital Hall next Wednesday as part of the Sydney festival. But more importantly, the Big Day Out festival is making its way through Australia with bands like the Arctic Monkeys, TV On The Radio, My Morning Jacket, Neil Young, Lupe Fiasco, The Ting Tings, Black Kids, Hot Chip, and Cut Copy. Wow!

And In London: The Wonky Pop at Matter is taking place on Friday night, and I strongly advise that you Jump In The Pool with Friendly Fires, who are gonna be big. Mr. Hudson will be there too!

Saturday night, you have plenty of options. Justice will be starting a bangin’ partay at The End, Lady GaGa will be dancing away at GAY@Heaven, and The Artrocker Annual Festival taking place at O2 Academy Islington features a great up-and-coming band, Pete And The Pirates. Check them out.

Finally, I strongly advise spending your Monday with the Mystery Jets at the Lexington, and your Wednesday at Dingwalls with the fantastic new band, Little Joy. If you can’t make it to the concert, at least buy the album.

This Week’s Gig Playlist
The Walkmen – In The New Year
Beach House – You Came To Me
The Hold Steady – Constructive Summer
Lupe Fiasco – Hustlers & Customers
Friendly Fires – Photobooth

by Adam Offitzer on January 15, 2009 ‡ 0 reactions