Staff Blog
The Showdown: What the hell does “indietronic” mean?
Monday: Anything that comes out of NY hip hop lable Def Jux has got to be good, and Philly’s own Mr. Lif is no exception. Even if you aren’t down with his politics, his flow is buttery enough to smooth things out. Several other underground MCs will be spitting their shit on the mic as well.
At Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 Frankford Ave., with Willie Evans Jr., Grieves, Chiddy Bang, 9 p.m., tickets are $12.
Tuesday: Ben Lee was a in a cute movie once. Now he’s released his seventh album of cute, upbeat, Aussie folk-rock. When it’s 70 and sunny on Tuesday, you’ll be happy you can spend a cute night with Ben Lee. Shit might even get adorable. Downstairs at the World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., with Low vs Diamond, 8 p.m., tickets are $19-24.
Wednesday: What the hell does “indietronic” mean? I’ve heard “folktronica” and “intelligent dance music,” but the indietronica label garnered by Her Space Holiday takes the cake. Are the keyboards he uses free-range? Is his laptop not made by a major label? Someone see the show on get back to me. I’m baffled. At the Barbary, 951 Frankford Ave, with Boy With Robot, 6:30 p.m., tickets are $12.
Thursday: Unleash your inner frat boy (or girl) broin’ out to Philadelphia four-peice, The Movement. Fronting a Sublime-like blend of hip-hop and reggae, you wont find a better reason to take white guys with dreads seriously. At the Troc, 1003 Arch St., with 3 Legged Fox, 8 p.m., tickets are $8.
Friday: It’s worth attending Bonnie “Prince” Billy soley because of this cover he did of Kanye West’s “Can’t Call me Nothing” on his friend Zach Galifianakis’ Thoreau-esque ranch. He’s also worth seeing because under that cheeky, mustached grin, he’s a sensitive guy who has released some of the best country/folk/beard-coustic records in the last decade. You wouldn’t want to make him cry, so see him play. At the Troc, 1003 Arch St., with Old Calf, 9pm, tickets are $16.50.
Saturday: Philadelphia had Soul. Fortunately, that’s not the kind we need. But Jaguar Wright? She’s the real deal. You’ve probably heard her do backing vocals for Blackalicious, Jay-Z, or the Roots, but now you can hear her belt it out solo. She also hates her mother-in law. At Warmdaddy’s, 1400 Columbus Boulevard, 8pm, tickets are $20.
Sunday: Come the 30th, it will be 15 years since the enigmatic, Saturn-born jazz legend Sun Ra died. Mourn his loss by enjoying a performance from his eclectic band, the Arkestra. This special show will include archival footage of Sun Ra and the band, a DJ and moon pies. How can you miss up to celebrate such a legendary proponent of moon-shoes and interstellar jams? At Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 Frankford Ave., with DJ hi-res, 9pm, tickets are $10.
