So Last week there was only one worthwhile all ages show in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection (The Sounds)… but it was the best show of the year. This week, however, I have a few more options…
The Secret Sisters @ World Café Live (11/8) (supporting Brandi Carlile)
8 pm, $35 – $63
These real-life sisters are not so interested in discovering new musical ground, but perfecting, and reminding audiences of, the 1950’s and 60’s most delectable rebels of pop, rock, and country… And I have to say, they’re quite successful. And just because your grandparents may appreciate their sound doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t.
The Joy Formidable @ Wells Fargo Center (11/10) (supporting Foo Fighters)
7pm, $34.50 – $54.50
So I certainly am not recommending anyone to go see the Foo Fighters… or go to the Wells Fargo Center. But, if you already are, make sure to get there early to check out The Joy Formidable… the most arena-ready young act I’ve seen in nearly a decade. I doubt seeing them in a room for twenty-thousand will be as satisfying as seeing them in the 300-capacity Johnny Brenda’s but, they, without a doubt, have the sound and swagger to fill an arena. The Joy Formidable are essentially the rebellious hipster offspring of Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds w/ The Hours @ The Academy of Music (11/11)
8pm, (The Kimmel Center’s website hates my computer, so you can figure out how much this costs on your own.)
For someone who spends the better part of the week watching up-and-coming “indie pop” and “nu folk” outfits at Kung Fu Necktie, which likely won’t amount to much of anything, it is a bit exciting to get to see a childhood hero performing a “mega-show,” no matter how “uncool” that show may be. In retrospect, had I been older and wiser, I likely wouldn’t have been so taken with Oasis and the inexplicit nationalism and misogyny of Britpop. But, having first encountered them in my single-digits, their anthemic beauty was blinding. And from what I’ve heard of Noel and his High Flying Birds, that beauty is still more than abundant… plus, apparently, he’s doing a handful of Oasis tracks. (Keep checking the blog for my upcoming interview with Antony Genn, currently of The Hours, and previously of Pulp and Elastica.)
Fitz & the Tantrums @ Theatre of Living Arts (11/12)
7pm, $32
So I’m not the biggest fan of Blue-eyed soul… especially when it’s from dudes, but Fitz and his instabilities are actually undeniably enjoyable, if seemingly quite inoffensive.
