A Case of the Fridays

It’s been freaking cold outside all week. So why not get warm by rocking out at a few shows? Let’s kick things off with The Gay Blades’ track “He She Says.” The lead singer’s got a vaguely English 80s vocal thing going, and he really hits his stride in the chorus, where the beat takes over from the angular guitar riffs and things get quite catchy. And as bonus, I give you the Dmerit remix of “O Shot” – the funky synth lines and beats really give the song a kick. If you like what you’re hearing, catch them live at DC9 Monday, November 24th.

MP3: He She Says – The Gay Blades
BONUS MP3: O Shot (Dmerit Remix) – The Gay Blades

And we close out things with “Cinders” by Meow Vs. Meow. It’s pulsing indie rock with buzzing, jagged guitars and drums coursing through its veins. If you like what you hear, they’ll be at the Velvet Lounge Friday, November 21st.

MP3: Cinders – Meow Vs. Meow

An Acoustic Evening w/ Marah @ Jammin Java Sunday

Marah 2008 @ Balenya – Body from Paul Murff on Vimeo.

One of my favorite bands, Marah, will be coming to town this Sunday for a show at Jammin Java in Vienna, VA. Well, to be precise, it’s actually just lead singer Dave Bielanko and keyboardist Christine Smith, along with a touring bassist.

The band has been severely wounded by line-up changes in the past year, parting ways with their rhythm section and lead guitarist. And Dave’s bro Serge has been spending time in Utah with his wife and new baby. So this may be all of Marah I get to see for awhile. But I’ll take it.

Anyway, here’s a video of Dave, Serge and Christine performing a beautiful stripped-down version of “Body” in Belenya, Spain earlier this year. And if you want to reminisce, here’s Marah at full electrifying force, rocking out on “It’s Only Money, Tyrone.”

CORRECTION: Gaslight Society Is At Dahlak Saturday

CORRECTION: It's Gaslight Society that's at Dahlak this Saturday at 1771 U St. NW in DC, not The Gaslight Anthem, as I previously posted. Gaslight Society brings a bluesy style of rock to the table, and is fronted by Janet Pinkham and some very powerful vocals.

The Gaslight Anthem - NOT at Dahlak

I just started listening to North Jersey’s The Gaslight Anthem, and I’m really liking what I’m hearing. They’ve got a no-frills Springsteen-esque rock sound, but with a bit of a kick - with a bit of an edge. Reminds me a bit of Marah.

MP3: Great Expectations - The Gaslight Anthem
MP3: Miles Davis & The Cool - The Gaslight Anthem

Mates of State @ the Black Cat - Tuesday, November 11

Mates of State, the husband & wife duo from San Francisco by way of Lawrence, Kansas, bring their hyper-poppy drum & organ sound to the Black Cat Tuesday night. Come see why Washingtonian Magazine selected this as one of their "When & Where" events of the week.

Conor Oberst @ 9:30 Club Monday

Conor Oberst will be at the 9:30 Club this Monday (11/10). Though his eyes appear slightly less bright, he’s now got the crack Mystic Valley Band backing him up to put a little rock in his Dylan-ish folk. And that’s OK, stay out as late as you want - Tuesday’s Veteran’s Day…

MP3: Valle Mistico – Conor Oberst
MP3: Get-Well-Cards – Conor Oberst

A Case of the Fridays

The music rolls on, and first up this week we’ve got a “Trans-Am” from Boulder, CO’s Rose Hill Drive. It rocks, power trio-style, with fuzzy, distorted guitar and some nice chugging riffs, and it’s perfect for channeling the 70s. If you like what you hear, Rose Hill Drive (above) will be at DC9 in DC Wednesday, November 12th.

MP3: Trans-Am – Rose Hill Drive

And we close out this week “Walkin’ Cane” from Robert Earl Keen. It’s an alt-country blues, played to perfection, alternatively jangly and searing, with and lyrics that make no excuses. Robert Earl Keen brings his Texas brand of alt-country to the 9:30 Club Wednesday, November 12th.

MP3: Walkin’ Cane– Robert Earl Keen

Photo by Lisa Siciliano

Crossroads w/ Taylor Swift & Def Leppard

CMT’s Crossroads has thrown some interesting country/rock artist combinations together, and the Friday's upcoming show is no exception. Country artist-of-the-moment singer-songwriter Taylor Swift will be bringing her teen angst on stage with with 80s pop metal gods Def Leppard. Wondering what that will sound like? Here’s an advance video of them performing Def Leppard’s “Photograph” together.