Ghostland Observatory Septmenber 9 at Cat's Cradle

From Austin, Texas Ghostland Observatory melds electronic synth and funk- compatible melodies with an ultra trippy light show which brings audiences into a dance frenzy not dissimilar to something you might see at a Daft Punk performance. The duo shouts lyrics, but rely mostly on the computer/synthesizer, drums, occasional guitar, and overwhelming lights to get from start to finish.  If you're into techno rock, I highly recommend seeing Ghostland Observatory at Cat's Cradle Friday September 9.

The Hold Steady at Cat's Cradle this Wednesday 8-31

If Thin Lizzy and Bruce Springsteen had a baby, it would be Brooklyn's The Hold Steady.  Since 2004, Craig Finn, Tad Kubler, Galen Polivka, Bobby Drake, and Steve Selvige have been tearing through cities putting on one of the most originally raucous live shows around.  Their style of storytelling  before a backdrop of full throttle classic rock inspired sound is one of a kind.  No topic is taboo within the narrative of The Hold Steady, giving them an R to X rated edge.  I caught them at The Cat's Cradle about 4 years ago and vividly remember thinking to myself how much I'd love to see them in a small bar somewhere.   No matter what size venue they play, The Hold Steady evokes that uniquely rowdy bar band feel.  Catch them back at Cat's Cradle Wednesday, August 31.

Kurt Vile and The Violators Tuesday 8-9 at The Cat's Cradle

My interest in Kurt Vile began with a suggestion from friends whose taste in music I trust when I must admit I'm getting weary of all these new bands - the lines are starting to blur I suppose ,or maybe I'm getting old and crotchety.

I finally decided to give Vile's Smoke Ring for My Halo a spin and was instantaneously lured into the dark corners of his psyche. I appreciated his bitterness while paralyzed by the simple yet swirling musicianship in each song.  His dialect seems untraceable, not by region, but by time.  After I had listened to "On Tour" for the millionth time, making sure I had the lyrics: "watch out for this one, he'll pump you full of lead for turning your head wrong". 

They were absolutely right, and in sync with my car singing voice (which is amazing, btw). Then I put two and two together: Kurt Vile is a nom de plume borrowed from the great German composer, Kurt Weill. And  it all came together - the societal remarks from my new Kurt compared to 1920's Kurt Weills’s socialist commentary from The Threepenny Opera began to connect.  

I don't think the Kurt Vile playing at The Cat's Cradle Tuesday August 9 draws a great deal of influence from Kurt Weill, but it's astonishingly satisfying to know the  history.  Maybe I'll get lucky and hear "Mack the Knife" next Tuesday.

This Week:

Alternative Country singer songwriter Gillian Welch and musical partner David Rawlings will bring thier spooky brand of Bluegrass and Americana  to the North Carolina Art Museum Wednesday 8-3

Acoustic guitar virtuoso Leo Kottke is performing at the NCMA Saturday 8-6.

Local musicians Matt Douglass and Chris Boerner's latest jazz outfit, The Hot at Nights, are celebrating the release of their new album at The Pour House in Raleigh Saturday 8-6.

STEELY DAN: JAZZ ROCK AMBASSADORS TO THE GALAXY this Thursday 8-4 @ the DPAC

 The one and only Steely Dan are performing this Thursday evening at the DPAC in Durham on their SHUFFLE DIPLOMACY 2011 TOUR. I've been an avid fan of the ever changing genius-centric outfit since high school, attracted primarily to the masterfully produced jazz rock elements of their seemingly perfect albums.  The older I got the more I realized that if I could live within  the lyrics of any band , it would be those of Steely Dan. An endless sex laden adventure through episodes of danger, secrecy, open joy, and more sex, all while wearing a perfectly fitting tux and a black limousine as my chariot?  Yes Please.

We haven't heard any new material from the wizards behind the curtain (Donald Fagen and Walter Becker) in quite some time, so guessing from shows past, we will get a few hours of anything and everything from the immaculate Steely Dan Cannon.  I hope to hear "Pearl of the Quarter" or basically anything else from their 1973 release, "Countdown to Ecstasy."  Touring and performing with the boys this time around: The Miles High Band featuring the Embassy Brats.