By Samir MathurContributing writer
There's a super-interesting double-bill coming to the Social next week. First up are Saddle Creek records’ The Mynabirds, whose debut album ‘What We Lose In The Fire We Gain In The Flood’ came out earlier this year and has been one of my go-to records over the summer. I’m a grade-A sucker for modern day bands with female vocalists, whose music sounds like it was recorded in the 1960s in Detroit. The Mynabirds write gorgeous, warm songs that belongs in small, intimate rooms like the Social. Think Dusty Springfield, The Shangri-La’s and Cat Power – Laura Berhenn’s voice plus the band’s rich, brassy arrangements are not to be missed. Check out their music video below, especially if you're a fan of food fights.
David Bazan, meanwhile, will be known to many as the former leader of the band Pedro the Lion. His debut solo album, ‘Curse Your Branches’, came out last year and is a brutally personal and honest discussion of Bazan’s troubles with alcoholism and religion. The first song’s chorus goes “Hard to be a decent human being”. That’s the chorus! Of the first song! Touring with a full band, Bazan is always an engaging performer – the songs offer a lot more than just stark lyrical insight. Plus, he’s a chatty, affable front man, happy to be up there and happy to talk to the fans. You can download a recent(ish) live show of his here, and there are plenty more links to videos, etc. on that page.
David Bazan and The Mynabirds play the Social on Saturday, October 2nd.
Tickets are $12 online, but probably cheaper if you get them from Park Ave CDs.