Active Viewin': rock nyc Concert Picks w-o 1-13-14

Aretha Franklin: National Treasure

Any time Aretha Franklin is in town is a must see date for all concerned, and when she is playing Radio City Music Hall as she is on this Friday, there is no reason at all not to go and spent some time for this greatest of singers and excellent on stage performer.

Tuesday – Margot Macdonald – Rockwood – When Margot played here during the 2013 CMJ, only NPR and I covered it and we both claimed it was a highlight of the festival. Now, following the release of her excellent Canvas album, you can get in and check it out. It says free but this being Rockwood assume they’ll pass around the hat at the end.

Thursday – Cate Le Bon – Mercury Lounge – Her sophomore album is here and the first single “Are You With Me Now” was so great the album had a hard time maintaining it. Live, she is as good as Florence + The Machine -actually, Cate is better.

Thursday – Cloud Nothings – Baby’s Al Right – Hard rocking band killed it when I saw em a coupla years ago at Studio At Webster Hall and see no reason for a let down.

Friday – Disclosure – Terminal 5 – The UK dance band of choice, and rumor has it they are playing Governor’s Ball so hey, you don’t have to check em out at this hell hope

Friday – Morris Day And The Time – BB Kings – Terrific r&b band, Morris Day is the funniest guy around, he gives preening egotism a good name

Sunday – Cracker – Highline Ballroom – You know these guys, road in on grunge but stayed for the party. What the world needs now is more of em.

Sunday – Talib Kweli – SOBS – Shoulda been a contender, a great rapper always worth catching