Imagine Dragons (@ Merriweather) you might actually think something ‘Radioactive’ was spilled on this record giving it super abilities, because damn, this band has exploded. Major radio love, a stellar debut, and sold out shows across America and we FINALLY have them. Let’s all rejoice, and also get on those tickets early! We don’t have to tell you how hot these tickets will be, right?

DJ Dredd (@ 9:30) we are seriously in love with all these dance parties that have been going down lately. DJ Dredd ups the ante by combining the holy pop trinity of Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince! Grab your friends, and let’s face it, a belt. We know that all asses shall be left on the dance floor that evening.

The White Mandingos (@ U Hall) Bad Brains’ Darryl Jenifer + Murs + Sacha Jekins are The White Mandingos. We probably don’t need to explain that this band is HEAVY (they say it themselves very frequently in their Facebook bio). Heavy themes, heavy tracks, and heavy on the talent. You don’t want to miss this.

NEW TRACKS: Eleanor Friedberger - ‘She’s A Mirror’

You either relate to Eleanor Friedberger pretty completely or you don’t get her at all. You either appreciate narrative in song or you just want to dance. You either dig horn section breakdowns or they remind you of crying babies in movie theaters. You either love the control in her voice or, well, you just don’t, and probably think it comes off pretentious.

Well file me into the first group. AND I’m all about the nuances in her presentation as well. In this song, “She’s a Mirror,” off her soon to be released album, Personal Record, there is barely any indication of perspective. I love nothing more then not knowing exactly what to think of her lyrics. They’re so well put together that they make you guess and question not only the song but also yourself. Talk about being reflective.

-Ian Signore

Performing live at U Street Music Hall on June 27th.

NEW TRACKS: Hockey - ‘Wild Style’

Indie band Hockey seamlessly blends a variety of musical influences into a whirlwind of rock, electronica, new wave and hints of reggae in their new track “Wild Style.” Lead singer Ben Wyeth has a lazy drawl that floats along the song’s easy melody, murmuring the chorus “You got that wild style.”

It’s a change from the genre-bending last album, 2009’s soulful Mind Chaos. The latest release, Wyeth IS is out now, taking new and old fans on an experimental journey. Catch the band at U Street Music Hall on May 17, with co-headliner, The Hush Sound!

-Yohana Desta

The Killers (@ Merriweather) their last show at GMU Patriot Center sold out insanely fast, so naturally this Merriweather ticket is a hot one. Come see the glam, the drama, the anthemic rock soar throughout Symphony Woods this August

Alan Jackson  (@ Merriweather) the country musici staple is back, and prepared to bring his own brand of Summer fun to Columbia in September. Hits old and new, sentimental and fun loving, bring the whole family to enjoy Mr. Jackson’s large repertoire.

El-P & Killer Mike (@ 9:30)both hip hop acts highly buzzed about in their own right combine forces to take our stage. With Kool A.D. rounding out the bill, come see these acts before they are too big for the club to hold!

Jimmy Eat World (@ 9:30)is a show that always gets talked about. I mean, it’s been a good bit since we have had them and we still hear “THAT WAS THE BEST SHOW EVER” on a regular basis. The lesson here? Do not wait on these tickets and you can join the masses of happy faces screaming in our crowd.

Bosnian Rainbows (@ U Hall) If you aren’t familiar (or maybe aren’t obsessively following the offshots of The Mars Volta like we are), Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Deantoni Parks formed on the heels of TMV’s decision to take a hiatus. Basically, this show is going to be completely kick ass. Don’t miss out.

Vans Warped Tour (@ Merriweather) the yearly festival brings the best of rock, punk, metal, hip-hop, and so much more. Take in the sounds and the sights (half pipes, vendor booths, last year’s massive slip n’ slide) for a day full of the best the classic brand has to offer.

New Order (@ Merriweather) post-punk legends are back and prepared to fill our pavilion with classics as well as new material from their latest album. Whether you have been a long-time fan or a new fan that never had the chance to see them live before, you don’t want to miss out on this unforgettable Summer show.

DJ Lil’e Dance Party (@ 9:30 Club) it’s always a battle royale when you bring DC’s DJ Lil’e to the tables. This time it’s of epic proportions. Who will win out in danceability/nostalgia/fun between Lady GaGa, Madonna, and your favorite classic boy bands? It’s going to be a tough call, but we think you (and your hips/dancing shoes) are up to the challenge.

Cute Is What We Aim For (@ 9:30 Club) the pop-punk boys from Buffalo are ready to bring a jolt of youthful energy and edge to our stage. Tongue in cheek lyrics, sly smiles, and big powerful chords are a perfect addition to our Summer schedule.

John Grant (@ U Hall) beloved as part of the Denver alt-rock outfit The Czars, but perhaps even more celebrated for his solo work. Prepare to get up close and personal with the singer songwriter in his intimate 9:30 Presents show at U Street Music Hall. 

NEW TRACKS: Oberhofer - ‘Earplugs’

This song is filled with grandeur. Just a little while ago I swore I heard Brad Oberhofer’s voice crack and his guitar nervously thrashed. Oberhofer have come a long way in a short while. Not only does this show in the production of their new song “Earplugs”, but also in the lyrical content. I’ve met Brad Oberhofer one time at 9:30 club Backbar after their show. It doesn’t seem like he’s a real party animal. Maybe a little more grounded? Not as high as the rest of us? This new song, off their upcoming release Notalgia, is about his disappointment he’s found in his attempts to bring people close to him back from the brink of addiction and depression. If you can’t tell the difference between lyrics in this new song like, “I’m hear to hold your hand before you hit the floor,” and those of their previous offerings in songs, “o0Oo0Oo0” and “Away Frm U”, then maybe you need to take your earplugs out.

Listen to the exclusive song stream via Rolling Stone.

-Ian Signore

Make sure to tune into this up and coming band when they perform at U Street Music Hall on Friday, May 3rd.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Our shows on sale this week!

Fall Out Boy (@ GMU Patriot Center) their new single may be titled “The Phoenix,’ but we don’t think FOB ever were truly ever in the ashes. The band makes their triumphant return to Save Rock and Roll. with a 9:30 Club show that literally sold out in minutes, we’re thanking our lucky stars for what’s sure to be an explosive and energetic set at the GMU Patriot Center!

No Scrubs 90’s Dance Party (@ 9:30) ain’t no party like a Will Eastman & Brian Billion dance party! You were here for the sold out new addition, Hot In Herre, now let’s take it back to our 90’s roots for one of the most fun and sweaty nights dancing you’ll ever have on U Street! Always a sold out show, make sure you snag your tickets in advance!

Dandy Warhols (@ 9:30) Courtney Taylor-Taylor and crew return to our stage to celebrate their 13th anniversary with ‘13 Tales of Urban Bohemia.’ That’s a lot of 13, but we are still counting ourselves damn lucky to have this night on our schedule! (And seriously, could it be better timed with the recent Veronica Mars movie rustlings?)

moe. (@ 9:30) the jammy favorites are BACK and gracing us with an intimate club show amidst their summer festival/arena tour. Pinch yourself. THIS IS REAL. So bust out those loose flowy garments and comfy shoes and prepare to let it all hang out for these tunes this May!

Richard Cheese (@ 9:30) you haven’t heard “Get Down With The Sickness” until you have heard it from the sassy, ring-a-ding croon of Mr. Cheese, honestly. Grab your tickets, prepare for martinis, smoking jackets, and probably you losing a little of that martini out of your nose during this hilarious set.

OMD (@ 9:30) they’ve touched us once, and now they are back to touch us twice (oh we went there)! But in all seriousness, these new wave masters have stood the test of time by continuing to expand on their sound, while staying true to their danceable synth roots. And guess what? They’re bringing the new generation with them with an opening set from Diamond Rings. SOLD!

AM & Shawn Lee (@ U Hall) the latest release from the collaboration of multi-instrumentalist Shawn Lee and his band AM is titled Celestial Ecclectic, and thank goodness for that, because it’s quite hard to put your finger on exactly all of the elements the music encompasses. ESL darlings fuse soul, electro, pop, funk, jazz and about a million other genres into something truly beautiful live.

Selah Sue (@ U Hall) soulful and funky, this chick has major good vibes and a completely magnetic personality. The ‘Ragamuffin’ was even named one of Rolling Stone’s new faces of 2012. Not to shabby! Get your tickets to this show, we have a feeling it isn’t long before you are griping about sleeping on ticket to a sold out 9:30 Club show down the road.

Keith Urban (@ Merriweather) the pop country king known for his catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics (and let’s face it - his good looks) is ready to take over Merriweather this Summer with the help of Little Big Town and Dustin Lynch! They aren’t calling it the Light The Fuse Tour for nothing!

Cut Copy (@ 9:30) ‘Lights & Music,’ sure, but also plenty of sweat, dancing and 80’s inspired dance-rock for an absolutely perfect Friday night in June. They sold out two shows last time they were here, so don’t sleep on this onsale!

Son Volt (@ 9:30) their latest album, Honky Tonk, released earlier this month has already been met with acclaim and excitement, and FINALLY we have a date to really send you all over the edge! Don’t miss Farrars alt-country crew when they cruise through the District!

Who’s Bad (@ 9:30) how do you cram the career of one of the most legendary pop-stars of all time into one night? We’re not sure how, but damn, Who’s Bad do it every time! Get your friends & your tickets to celebrate some of the greatest tunes of our time!

The Hush Sound & Hockey (@ U Hall) After a four year hiatus the Illinois indie-pop rockers are BACK and co-headlining with another group we have been dying to hear new music from, Hockey! Double up on incredibly fun and infectious tunes in the intimacy of U Street Music Hall.