This Week in Gigs

By Samir Mathur
Contributing writer
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Busy week - lots of bands, both local and international! If there's something that I've left that you are looking forward to, tell us about it in the comments.

Monday - February 7

Free Energy / The Postelles - The Social

Two interesting young bands coming to town tonight. Philly's Free Energy come with in-built indie cred by being on DFA Records and having James Murphy as a producer. What may surprise you is that: a) their music is not yer typical DFA fare, but instead, riff-heavy guitar rock with a noticeable 70s influence, and b) despite that, they're pretty good. Opening up are NYC band The Postelles, who also have an A-list musician behind the sound desk: Albert Hammond, Jr. from the Strokes. And they sound a little like the Strokes - short, punchy, guitar-driven songs that don't have much to say, but will get stuck in your head. They've got an album coming out in April, but apparently you can pick up at the show, a couple of months early. Well worth a Monday night out, this one.



Tuesday - February 8

Yann Tiersen at the Social

Best known for his soundtrack work (Amelie, Goodbye Lenin!), Tiersen is an accomplished musician and artist, who has collaborated with heavyweights like Cocteau Twin Liz Fraser and Stuart Staples from Tindersticks. There will be lots of instruments, lots of lyrical sadness but some very pretty tunes indeed. And who doesn't love a Gallic accent?


Wednesday - February 9

Vocalization at Backbooth (more info)

It's the return of one of the best open-mic nights out there - this time with performances from Blueprint (from the Rhymesayers and Soul Position with RJD2), and local faves S.K.I.P., Solillaquists of Sound, Beef Wellington, and anyone else that wants to step up.


Thursday - February 10

Goodrich & The Die-Tryin's at Backbooth

A few months ago, Goodrich & The Die-Tryin's was described as "the best folk group that the city’s folk scene doesn’t yet know about." They've been playing all over town and it's well worth getting into them at this early stage. The phrase "folk music for people who hate folk music" has been used, in their "Band of the Week" feature over at Orlando Music News, and that captures it pretty well. Go see what all the buzz is about.


Friday - February 11

Robert Randolph and the Family Band / The Constellations at the Plaza Theatre

If you don't already own dancing shoes, you've got a few days to go and pick some up. These guys are legendary. Randolph plays incredible slide guitar. Though I don't care for much jam band stuff, there's something about these guys that has always come off as more fun, less indulgent, and they never disappoint when seen live. Atlanta's The Constellations are a good choice for opener, with their high-energy soul-rock. Don't plan on sitting down through this show.


Saturday - February 12

Afroman / S.K.I.P. at Firestone Live (more info)

Mostly listing this one because it's a big show for our pal S.K.I.P. Tickets are just $10, there'll almost certainly be the pervasive smell of marijuana in the air, and I'm sure Afroman will be fun too. What if he didn't play "Because I Got High"? Would there be a riot?


Sunday - February 13

Broken Social Scene at Firestone Live

It's a real dilemma. Stay home and watch the Grammys, or go downtown to see one of indie-rock's ruling dynasties? It's not a dilemma at all.