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.

David Gray at DPAC Sunday July 3

In case you are staying in town this weekend, avoiding the mad rush of beach people doused in booze and sunscreen, a rare opportunity awaits in Durham Sunday night.  British singing sensation David Gray will perform his inspired mix of acoustic rock with touches of the electronic here and there.  His most recognizable and successful album, White Ladder,  best symbolizes his style as a singer/songwriter.  Songs like "Babylon" and "Sail Away" quickly made his voice as recognizable as Dave Matthews or other  musical giants played heavily on the radio during the late 90's/ early 2000's.   Gray's voice is comparable to some of the greatest singers of our time, due mostly to his amazingly wide vocal range which reaches new heights with each song he performs.  If you don't have any plans this weekend, I strongly suggest checking out David Gray at The DPAC this Sunday evening.

This Just In: Fleet Foxes coming to Raleigh Downtown Amphitheater Friday June 24

The 2008 release of Fleet Foxes' 2nd  EP, Sun Giant and their sophomore , self  titled record sent the Seattle folk sextet soaring.  In a wold of music becoming easier to come by  free of charge, Fleet foxes turned heads when their debut full length LP reached sales of over 210,000 copies.  Their sound is clearly influenced by musical heroes Bob Dylan and Neil Young but stands on it's own as a fresh form of Americana.  Come see the fastest moving band in the world at The  Raleigh Downtown Amphitheater with The Walkmen  Friday June 24.

THE MODERATE TONIGHT AT THE POUR HOUSE

Come on down to the Pour House tonight for the "Save the Nuese" benefit concert  featuring Washington, DC's indie sensation, The Moderate and Raleigh's  The Oatmeal Conspiracy.  Jim Dempsey and Drew Marks of The Moderate are natives to our great city as well as most members of the Oatmeal Conspiracy.

Put on by the Nuese Riverkeeper Foundation and Sweet Water Brewing Company, the event hopes to raise  money and awareness  to save our beloved Nuese river from further damage due to an overload of nutrients and other invasive elements harmful to the ecosystem.

Show starts at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $8 in  advance and $10 at the door.

PHISH at Walnut Creek June 18 !

The Vermont quartet is set to return to the area June 18 for another evening of noodle friendly funk and improvisational rock.  Trey, Mike, Fish and Page have ruled the jam scene since Jerry Garica's death in 1994 when hordes of wandering hippies needed a new act to follow.  Not to say there isn't any merit to the music of Phish, because there is.  Tons in fact.  Since the 1989 release of Junta, a double disc collection of some of the bands lasting anthems, Phish has steadily released studio albums, many better than others in my opinion.

Tracks from A Picture of Nectar, Story of the Ghost, Hoist and Billy Breathes pack the most punch and certainly get the most airplay live.  The thing about Phish shows is this:  how much you may like or dislike songs from their albums is irrelevant as each song can be completely tampered with for your enjoyment - or to your dismay.  Many music know-it-alls cast aspersions at bands in this genre simply due to the fact the music tends to go on and on for much longer than they like, while many phans eat that up. Basically, you never know what you're gonna’ get. 

After public embarrassment due to a 2006 DWI and a controlled substance charge against guitar god Trey Anastasio - and the realization that their shows were suffering because of such things - Phish threw in the towel.  It is my opinion that the band returned to the stage and the scene in 2009 rejuvenated and dedicated to being the best they can be.  Why throw away a career in which millions are made and you have thousands of people following you around the country to see you play?  

Phish is performing at Walnut Creek Amphitheater in Raleigh Saturday June 18.  

Phish is performing at Walnut Creek Amphiteater Saturday June 18th.

Breaking Laces at The Casbah, Durham Saturday June 11

Brooklyn's Breaking Laces has made major waves within the indie music community ever the past year, gaining high marks from fans and critics alike. The trio combines catchy danceable acoustic pop with a hardy helping of rock.  Their debut album Sohcahtoa "is exactly what indie-rock needs right now" according to Paste Magazine and from what this listener thinks, their newest record, When You Find Out, is equally as impressive if not twice as exceptional.  Check them out at The Casbah in Durham, Saturday June 11.