YEAH, OK, SO LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS LINE-UP. It might be what dreams are made of. Not that these three need much of an introduction, but just for kicks, let’s break it down.
Over 30 albums in, Bob Dylan is undoubtedly one of rock’s living legends. Poetic lyrics, a signature sound, furious touring, and the ability to still create fantastic records (last year’s release, Tempest, received rave reviews), Dylan is one of those acts you just HAVE to see once. Or twice…or three times… With his band in tow, fans are in for a special evening showcasing why he is one of the greats.
Joining Dylan are rockers My Morning Jacket. Frontman Jim James has been busy supporting his debut solo record (anyone catch his awesome show at the Club last week?), but the entire band is back to melt faces with their blistering live show. The Kentucky boys promise to turn the amps up loud, jam a little, and leave you with a smile on your face. The band also knows how to mix things up- being known to change their setlist nightly, you never know what surprises you’re in for!
Rounding out Americanarama are Wilco, indie/alternative godfathers, who have been making crowds happy for over 15 years now and are no strangers to MPP. Hitting the road for this epic tour right off of their very own Solid Sound Festival, Wilco’s upbeat, dynamic show will either: further your love for Jeff Tweedy & Co., or turn you into a fan for life. Like MMJ, to add to the excitement, the band constantly changes their sets, which span their entire career. Basically, to say they’ve got it down would be an understatement!
All three of these acclaimed acts together in one night? You’d be a fool not to snatch up tix!
-Samantha Turnbull
SHOW PREVIEW: Father John Misty
If you’re not already on the J.Tillman train, I suggest you hop on now because this man knows how to create meaningful music. Although Tillman is currently the leader of Father John Misty, he has also toured with other well-regarded artists, including Fleet Foxes, Damien Jurado, and David Bazaan. His debut album as Father John Misty, Fear Fun, was released last April and landed itself on many people’s “Best of 2012” lists by the end of the year. Fear Fun combines soft folk rock with poetic lyrics and absolutely lives up too all of the hype. “I’m Writing a Novel” is a great introduction to Tillman’s voice, but each track provides us with something different and equally important.
Anyone lucky enough to catch a live Father John Misty show will immediately recognize that Tillman is not just a talented musician/songwriter, he was meant to be a performer. He takes Fear Fun to another level with lots of sassy remarks alongside a clear wish that the show be almost a cathartic experience for the audience.During a Coachella interview a few weeks ago Tillman spoke about “that vague sense of music that we all know…it brings a feeling of commonality and reduces isolation we feel in the universe.” So, come together and witness Father John Misty’s candor in person at the club on May 16th.
-Emily Hirsch
PREVIEW: The National
Ah, summer 2k13 is just around the corner, which can only mean one thing: it’s Merriweather New Years! And what better embodies a relaxing, liberating summer evening than seeing chill indie rock pioneers the National? If their new songs like ‘Sullivan’ and ‘Prime’ are any indication, their self-produced sixth LP ‘Trouble Will Find Me’ (being released May 21 on 4AD) promises to be another choice record full of tightly wound, rhythmic indie goodness. If you haven’t already fallen in love with these Interpol/Shins contemporaries, take note, because this is one of those rare bands that sounds just as tight live as they do on record. Don’t miss your chance to start off outdoor concert season right. Get your Bloodbuzz on.
-Kelsey Butterworth
PREVIEW: Galactic
Get ready to shake your groove thang with Galactic! Galactic is a band synonymous with New Orleans jazz-funk just as much as New Orleans itself is synonymous with both said genres. No strangers to the club, Galactic’s blistering, soulful sound reverberates through the club from start to stop, so be sure to bring your dancing shoes! Most recently, the band released a Carnival-inspired album, Carnivale Electricos, in 2012, showcasing their ever-impressive ability to meld genres while still keeping their homegrown, funky sound. As an added bonus, as if the night couldn’t get any cooler, Corey Glover, also of Living Colour, will be joining Galactic on vocals!
-Samantha Turnbull
PREVIEW: Bajofondo
Tryna shake a leg? Come see Bajofondo. This collective of musicians from Argentina and Uruguay are superstars in South America and they’re coming to the 9:30 Club! Bajofondo brings traditional tango to the modern era by combining it with elements of electronic music. In other words, they rock the house. They put on a real high energy show that is definitely going to get your hips and legs moving. You won’t want to miss it!
-Nick Velleman
SHOW PREVIEW: Eels
Chances are, you’re probably a lot more familiar with Eels than you may think. Whether you are a Knocked Up fan, will always love Shrek, or can’t get enough of Zach Braff on Scrubs, Eels have been featured on all of those soundtracks and many more. In addition to being a popular choice for movies and TV, Eels have produced ten studio albums, including Wonderful, Glorious that just came out in early February. Over the past seventeen years, the band has developed their sound, bringing us everything from charmingly upbeat but mellow indie rock to lots of synths to edgy garage tunes.
Because of their genre crossing music, Eels shows are full of surprises. Front man, Mark Oliver Everett is also big on going with what he’s feeling at the moment, so the set list is often indicative of that spontaneity. Be prepared for some Wonderful, Glorious tracks and hopefully they’ll bring back older favorites like “Fresh Feeling” and “I Need Some Sleep.” Get ready for a night of lyrics that you can relate to and beats that are worthy of both mellow swaying and full on dancing. Don’t miss out on the unique experience of an Eels show and grab your tickets for this Sunday!
-Emily Hirsch
PREVIEW: Jukebox The Ghost
Maaan, we love these local (they met at GW) guys! Jukebox the Ghost are well on their way to becoming 9:30 vets (this is their 3rd year playing the Club), and there is a good reason why! With their infectious feel-good, piano-heavy indie-pop, one listen and you’ll be bouncing around. Their lyrics range from fantastical and tons of fun to mature beyond their years, and Jukebox will be sure to span it all, drawing songs from all 3 of their albums. And a cool thing to note: if you decide to whip out that camera during any part of the show, you won’t be that person: JtG has actually requested fans take videos of themselves and the band (particularly during the songs “Everybody Knows” and “Say When”) for a special surprise video project! More information can be found here. We can’t wait for this one!
-Samantha Turnbull
PREVIEW: Sharon Van Etten
Sharon Van Etten has a magical ability to take simple words and chord progressions and spin them into heartfelt indie-rock ballads. The singer-songwriter received rave reviews for her artfully crafted third album, last February’s Tramp. The album was a veritable treasure trove of indie collaborations, and included help from Zach Condon of Beirut, Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak, Matt Barrick of the Walkmen, and Aaron Dessner of the National. Yet, none of these influences overpowered Van Etten’s own distinct sound.
Her style is defined by soft guitar chords that layer upon one another, wrapped in lyrical silk delivered by a warm, folksy voice. Her debut album Because I Was in Love perhaps best exemplifies this sound. Since then, Van Etten has added a raw element to her work, going into slightly rawer territory that builds into stacked guitar chords, with piano fills occasionally thrown in.
Throughout it all, Van Etten’s greatest strength is her songwriting ability, stringing together lyrics that are honest and pure. They reign supreme, whether she’s singing about helping a friend get through a panic attack on the song “Ask” (“Whisper in my ear/happy you are here/everything seems clear/we’re alright”), or reflecting on a relationship that turned sour on “Serpents” (“Close in on my black eye/I feel safe at times/Certain emblems/Tell me it’s time”). Van Etten’s music isn’t just good for the ears — it’s good for the soul.
The term ‘experimental’ is the easiest way to describe the music of indie band Zammuto. Take a deeper listen, and you’ll find that it’s avant-garde pop with elements of indie rock and electronica delicately woven in.
Zammuto is the new project helmed by Nick Zammuto, formerly of The Books. The new four-piece band released their debut, self-titled album last April to overwhelmingly positive reviews. The album is full of songs that have layers of auto-tuned vocals that play well off of delicate guitar strums (like ‘Harlequin’), or minimal techno beats with a fast tempo (‘Groan Man, Don’t Cry’). ‘Idiom Wind’ is a testament to Zammuto’s restraint and ability to create a beautiful indie rock track that’s soft and echoey with occasional violin sections tossed in.
Zammuto are currently on tour, partly as the opening act for a handful of Gotye shows in September. Catch them at U Street Music Hall on September 26, with opening act Lymbic System.
-Yohana Desta
PREVIEW: The Gossip
Though their music blends everything from gospel to funk to disco, the Gossip are a classic rock’n’roll band when it comes to their live performance. Lead singer Beth Ditto thrashes about onstage, shredding saucy lyrics with her impressive vocals and catapulting off the stage for epic crowd surfing.
The Washington-based trio had a mainstream breakthrough with their 2006 album, Standing in the Way of Control. Their infusion of indie rock and Southern-style soul was a breath of fresh air in the angsty boys club that was indie rock. Since then, they’ve released two more albums, the most recent one being A Joyful Noise, which came out last May. The album is a change of pace for the band, as it was produced by Brian Higgins, who has worked mainly in the pop field with UK groups like Girls Aloud and The Saturdays.
If anything, the show will be worth it to see the always-transforming Ditto. The outspoken singer is the best mixture of a goth and punk, going back and forth between orange and black hair, wearing outrageous makeup, or even stripping down to her lingerie while onstage. Come see the band that everyone’s talking about — because what’s a show without a little bit of gossip anyway?
