A Busy Weekend

If you are like me, you have had enough of shopping and the holiday hustle. This weekend, relax and take in a show or two. Plenty to choose from. Here is what's happening in the area the next few days.


My pick for the weekend is an all local lineup featuring the best of DC and Philly. Representing DC is Exit Clov and their 'kaleidoscopic pop noir', as someone called them. Hailing from Phily is Papertrigger. Prepare yourself for a sonic experience. These guys have a live show that is not to be missed. And finally, the one band to join them all, originally hailing from DC and now residing in Philly, the piano-pop and sometimes apocalyptic Jukebox the Ghost. This is a great line up. If you are in Philly Saturday night, head to Johnny Brenda's. You will not regret it.

mp3: Exit Clov - Violent Berries
mp3: Papertrigger - We Are Nations Now!
mp3: Jukebox the Ghost - Victoria

Friday

A few bands are heading to a different locale after a night elsewhere. Nada Surf with Delta Spirit and The Jealous Girlfriends in tow head down I-95 to the 9:30 Club.

Muted vocals and an acoustic guitar is all Owen has to offer a crowd. Doesn't seem to matter. Both the 7 and 9:30 PM shows are sold out. If you have tickets, enjoy. Guaranteed to be a great show.

Illinois is back home for the final show of the four city swing for Chapter 2 of The Adventures of Kid Catastrophe. Head to The Fire and get there early to check out Orbit to Leslie and Circadian Rhythms.

Chambersburg natives The Shackeltons are in West Chester at The Note. If you never seen them or read our description of their live shows, you are in for a treat. Philly locals Cheers Elephant is also on the bill.

mp3: Nada Surf - See These Bones
mp3: The Jealous Girlfriends - Roboxulla
mp3: Owen - Bad News
mp3: Illinois - She's So Blonde
mp3: The Shackeltons - Your Movement
mp3: Cheers Elephant - Wide Eyed

Saturday

Darker My Love is heading down DC way after a Thursday show in Philly. The Strange Boys carry over from the previous performance. For this show at The Rock & Roll Hotel Sweden's Love Is All is added to the lineup.

A couple of huge shows at two different venues in Philly. In Chinatown, The Troc is hosting Mercury Rev, Dean & Britta and Like A Fox. Down on South Street, The Walkmen headlines the TLA. Baltimore's own Beach House and The Subjects open.

Jeremy Enigk playing a small room. The Khyber is sure to be packed. Get there early and check out openers Thief, Steal Me A Peach and This is Benji.

For their last show of 2008, Wilmington's own The Sky Drops are playing the Arden Gild Hall. It's a little off the beaten path (just right up the street from me), but a great venue.

Dahlak hosts Hammer No More The Finger and Red Collar.

mp3: Darker My Love (Download full self-titled album)
mp3: Beach House - Saltwater
mp3: The Subjects - Time (Daytrotter)

Sunday

Another night in Philly, another pair of shows to choose from. North Star has Manchester Orchestra along with Kevin Devine and Dead Confederate for a sold out show. Not to be left out, The TLA has The Ting Tings and The Airborne Toxic Event.

Fredericksburg All Ages is having Ra Ra Riot and Princeton at The Third Floor.

mp3: Dead Confederate - The Rat
mp3: Ra Ra Riot - Dying is Fine
mp3: Princeton - The Waves