a summer review (featuring a zillion videos)
Hey guys. We’re darn near halfway through summer (and it’s darn near halfway through July) so I thought I’d just highlight the shows that are coming to town.
As someone who reads music journalism, I get a little frustrated by reports of upcoming shows - especially if they’re not near me or affordable. I hope that you hit the play button on a couple of these videos, and reach out if anything moves you. All of this stuff is coming to town in the next six weeks and I think I’m down for all of it.
The Get Together (Turf Club, Friday July 15)
I don’t know a lot about these Minneapolis indie rockers, but I haven’t been to a show since the Zombies, and it’s about time.
Boulevards (Turf Club, Wednesday July 20)
Thad suggested I go see Boulevards. Seems solid. Funky Black cowboy with a sense of humor. I’m into it.
mc chris (7th Street Entry, Monday July 25)
mc chris came to my attention through guest appearances on Adult Swim cartoons back 20 years ago. I believe I have seen him two times. At the Entry. Probably not in a decade. Guy is sort of stuck at that level. His rap songs about Star Wars, video games, and candy are a huge hit with a number of Minnesota fans (though that number apparently fits well within the 250-person capacity of this venue).
Pinegrove (First Avenue, Thursday July 28)
Pinegrove’s “Old Friends” is a song I learned to play, but they do something I can’t exactly capture. They have a soft-country shine to some of their work, but they’re also terribly earnest. (Maybe that’s the thing I’m missing.) They took a little break a few years back to deal with something #metoo-related, and I’m pleased to read that the matter is resolved.
Shamir (Turf Club, Monday August 1)
Shamir’s bonkers “On the Regular” tore up college radio for a while, but they have settled into a more serious, songwriter-y mode. I have no idea what this show will look like, but I’m counting on surprises.
Wavves (Fine Line, Tuesday, August 2)
Wavves is noisy surf-y rock, and I’m excited to see them. Uh oh, back to back shows, though.
BODEGA (Turf Club, Thursday August 18)
BODEGA shares a record label with Parquet Courts, and are sometimes compared to that clattering disco-rock with a wordy twist. The above song sort of sounds like what you might record if you wanted to parody their goofiest tendencies. Still good.
Seratones (Turf Club, Wednesday August 24)
Wikipedia says that Seratones are SOUL ROCK, and you get to that when you can around here. Super-pumped for this.
Cults (Turf Club, Sunday August 28)
Cults are Pitchfork darlings from a decade ago, but if you still remember them, they are pop-y / rock-y / synth-y and pretty fun.
Links
- I have started 60 Songs That Explain the ’90s and it’s good. I started with a recent episode about “Doll Parts” and learned so much about Courtney Love. Nostalgia, in a way, but appropriately contextualized and informative.
- Do you remember my 80’s hair metal playlist? Music expert Matthew Perpetua has made three playlists (1975-79, 1980-85, 1986-90) that are absolutely 1000% what I was aiming for and better in every way.
- You’ll never guess what else I’m reading about: streaming fraud at Spotify!