Gillian Welch
Arguably the most influential Americana artist of the last 20
years and last here in November with musical partner David Rawlings and Led
Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, Welch returns on short notice for what should be a
stunning “Evening With.”
Me Myself & I Festival 3
This mini-fest celebrates solo artistes with DIY minds.
Russian-born/Tel Aviv-raised avant garde, synth-world-pop and visual artist Mary
Ocher heads up a bill with North Elementary’s John Harrison as Jphono1, and NC’s
Must Be the Wholy Ghost, Your Fuzzy Friends, Human Pippiarmstrong, and Brett
Green.
Man or Astroman?
After a successful run in the `90s the sci-fi surf punks with a
soft spot for vintage film and TV, Moogs, theremins, and rip-roaring surf
guitar disappeared from Earth (shortly after Y2K, coincidence?). It rockets
back with its first album in 12 years - 2013’s “Defcon 5…4…3…2…1.”
Schoolboy Q
Thanks in part to guest spots with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
and Black Hippy co-hort Kendrick Lamar, the hard L.A. rapper’s major label
debut, “Oxymoron” (which chronicles life as a Crip, drug dealer, and father)
was one of the most anticipated of the year, debuting at No. 1 and making his
tour an equally hot ticket.
Sleigh Bells
Tuesday 8 p.m., The Fillmore, 1000 NC Music Factory
Blvd., $27, www.livenation.com
The harsh collision of abrasive beats, thick distortion, and
girlish, ethereal vocals form a merry danceable marriage in this Brooklyn duo’s
irresistible noise-pop. This marks its Charlotte debut. From what I hear,
earplugs are advised.
Battleme
Although band leader Matt Drenik (who looks like a “Son of
Anarchy”) became known for his stark folk contributions to FX’s “Sons,” his
Portland band illustrates a crunchier, psychedelic-dipped, garage-pop sound
that’s a bit more fun - still dynamic without the drama.
Zucchero
Wednesday 8 p.m., Amos’, 1423 S. Tryon St., $25-$35,
www.amossouthend.com
The Italian blues guitarist and singer is a household name overseas where
he’s sold 50 million records over 40 years. He teamed with Don Was in Havana to
explore Latin, Cuban, Salsa, and Tex-Mex on his latest, “La Sesion Cubana”
(its live version airs on PBS). Catch him stateside in a rare intimate
setting (compared to European venues).
Against Me!
The punk band drew headlines for singer and founder Laura Jane
Grace’s transition from male to female in 2012. The resulting album - the
unbelievably catchy and compelling “Transgender Dysphoria Blues” - chronicles
the relatable struggle for self-acceptance and need to feel comfortable in
your own skin. It should be album of the year.
PJ Morton
The Maroon 5 keyboardist moonlights as a Grammy winning (India
Arie’s “Interested) solo singer-songwriter making R&B and jazz, gospel, and hip-hop
laced vintage soul in the spirit of artists like Stevie Wonder, who appears on
his 2013 major label debut, “New Orleans.”
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