Look, you think Russell Brand is a hairy, scrawny pervert and I might agree. But, and this is important, he is a FUNNY hairy scrawny, plus he doesn’t bully. He punches up always and he hits his target as often as not. Ask Hugo Boss who he slammed, accurately, as a Nazi collaborator while picking up an Award from the Hugo Boss Sponsored GQ event. They threw him out for that but at Town Hall on Thursday night he will be throwing down. In knocking on five years this is the first time a non-musician has received the coveted lead off position. He’d like to thank the little people.
Monday – Viv And The Revival – Tammany Hall – It is all in the production for these guys, this Arena ready rockers have tons going for them but mostly? It is really and honestly all about the production and they have got it.
Monday – Screaming Females – Bowery Ballroom – I was disappointed last time I saw em but let’s blame the venue and try em again here.
Monday – Arctic Monkeys – Webster Hall – I haven’t said one good thing about this band, so here is one good thing: the album is their best since the first.
Tuesday – Gov’t Mules – Best Buy – As long as the Allmans aren’t around, why not?
Tuesday – Pet Shop Boys – Beacon Theater -One of the best bands anywhere, incapable of making a band album (bad song is another matter) on the second of two sold out nights.
Tuesday – Pixies – Bowery Ballroom – My award for the best overrated good band in the world. You noticed the “good” right?
Wednesday – Kacey Musgraves – Bowery ballroom – Alt country with a sardonic point of view
Thursday – Yeah yeah Yeahs – Barclay center – Karen claims to have big plans for this big concert.
Friday – Icona Pop – Webster Hall -They love it, one of the best shows of the summer and an absolute must see. I great little dance pop band
Friday – The Selecter – Gramercy theater -Two Tone masters
Friday – The Bodeans – BB Kings – Great country rockers though they call it American nowadays
Friday – Vampire Weekend – Barclay Center – Last time I saw em, at United Palace, theyw ere really great and their new album is one of the best of the year. Plus, Solange is opening.
Saturday – Nellie McKay – DROM – Great cabaret crossover
Saturday – David Bronson – Brooklyn Bowl – Prog rock for the 21st century.
Saturday – Jay And The Americans – BB Kings – Great 60s rock band, always worth watching
Saturday – Sarah Brightman – Radio City Music hall – Middlebrow pop