The Local Weekend: Another Stacked One

After last week's trifecta of musical information, this weekend is a welcome respite. Not as heavy, but still plenty to check out. Got big plans this weekend, so I am keeping it somewhat brief. Check out our exhaustive calendars (DC, Philly) for other shows.

Black Kids
(photo via band myspace)

Speaking of my plans, join me Friday at the Troc in Philly's Chinatown for a great line-up. Florida's Black Kids are back in town. If you haven't heard, they received many best-ofs for 2008. Also on the bill is husband and wife duo Mates of State. Keyboard and drum kit pop at its best. Set to open is Jacksonville's Sunbears. Can't make it to the Philly show? No problem. Saturday, same people, this time the 9:30 Club hosts.

mp3: Mates of State - My Only Offer (via Barsuk Records)

Of course, the weekend alway kicks off at the XPN Free at Noon. This week it features The Felice Brothers and musical legend Marianne Faithful. Her career has spanned four decades and is still going strong. This woman is a legend, see her if you can.

mp3: The Felice Brothers - Run Chicken Run (via team-love.com)

Looking for a '90s alternative flashback? Friday at the 9:30 and Saturday at Johnny Brendas (early shows, 6:00 and 6:30 are posted times), former buzz bin band Superdrag is back. They also just dropped a new album. As Tall As Lions, who meld various genres from a multitude of eras, are set to open.

mp3: Superdrag - Sucked Out (via r5productions.com)
mp3: As Tall As Lions - I Lost My Mind (via rcrdlbl.com)

SubPop artist Obits is hitting the area twice, Friday in Baltimore at Ottobar then Sunday in the District at Black Cat. Each show has a different set of supporting acts. In Baltimore you can catch locals Sick Weapons and Sal Bando, the DC show has The Points.

mp3: Obits - Pine On (via Subpop)

If you dig the French pop scene, then you are in luck. Sebastian Tellier is playing two shows in the area this weekend. Playing the late show at the 9:30 on Friday with Lemonade, then he heads up to Philly's Starlight Ballroom for a Saturday show.

mp3: Sebastian Tellier - Sexual Sportswear (Donovan Remix) (via rcrdlbl.com)
mp3: Lemonade - Sunchips (via rcrdlbl.com)

Freak folk, lo-fi noise pop, avant-garde. Those are just a few of the descriptions for Ariel Pinks Haunted Graffiti. And joining them for the two shows in the region is Vivian Girls. Friday, they are playing Johnny Brenda's with Tickley Feather. Then they hit Baltimore and Ottobar up on Saturday with The Flying Eyes, Deep Sleep and Head Home.

mp3: Ariel Pinks Haunted Graffiti - Helen (via Paw-Tracks.com)
mp3: Vivian Girls - Tell The World (via rcrdlbl.com)
mp3: Tickley Feather - Tonight is the Night (via rcrdlbl.com)

Friday

For Friday, two huge musicians, one local and one former punker play separate venues in the Philly area. Local artist Amos Lee has gained quite a following and has toured with acts such as Dylan, Elvis Costello and Merle Haggard. You can catch him at the McCarter Theater in Princeton. Bob Mould is best know for his days in Husker Du and Sugar, but he has also made a name for himself with his solo work. Head to the North Star to see a legend in action. Also on the bill is local artist Andrew Lipke.

Deer Tick has been all over the area for the past few weeks. This time he is at the Olde Club at Swarthmore College Friday. And by the looks at his schedule, he will be back in the near future.

mp3: Deer Tick - Long Time (via Partisan Records)

Wham City artist Dan Deacon is playing a sold out show at the First Unitarian Church in Philly. Along for the ride are fellow Baltimore bands Teeth Mountain and Future Islands. This is sure to be a raucous show.

mp3: Dan Deacon - Big Big Big Big Big (via band website)
mp3: Future Islands - Old Friend (via band website)

Saturday

The master of funk/blues/soul/hip-hop fusion, G. Love is in Atlantic City playing the Borgata. So make a day of it Saturday. Great weather, the beach and a little Special Sauce.

Singer-songwriter extraordinaire Ray Lamontagne is in town Saturday for a show at the Tower Theater.

A couple of CD releases of note happening this Saturday and both are in Baltimore. The Metro Gallery is hosting the party for Pianowire, while the G Spot has the second release party for Impossible Hair. Also on that bill is Title Tracks, featuring former Georgie James member John Davis.

And on a down note, the Matt & Kim show for Saturday at The Barbary in Philly has been canceled.

So much more I did not cover, be sure to check out the calendars for the rest.