The Mountain Goats - started in 1991 as a lo-fi solo project by songwriter John Darnielle - played in the basement of the First Unitarian Church last Thursday, March 20.
"First of all I would like to thank God for making me the boss I am."
That's how Rick Ross begins his acknowledgements in the liner notes of his new album Trilla.
3/28: The Raveonettes
World Cafe Live, All Ages
WXPN's Free at Noon Concert Series brings The Raveonettes, an alluring Danish duo whose sugar-coated harmonies and feedback-drenched guitars will please anyone within earshot.
My dad told me when I was younger that he first started listening to jazz when he was in college. At the time, I couldn't believe it - it seemed impossible anyone could, firstly, adopt an entire genre of music into their listening palate so late in life (yes, college students still seemed very old to me at the time) and secondly, could do so entirely on his own.
As I think about it now, the reason for his late-blooming appreciation for jazz is all too obvious.
Grandpaboy
Mono
2002
Back in 2001, The Strokes released Is This It, claiming to "save" rock with their punk snotitude and delicate attention to not really caring.
Thursday, 3/20: The Mountain Goats
First Unitarian Church, All Ages
Prolific lo-fi veterans The Mountain Goats are beloved for their intelligent lyrics and warm experimental folk style.
On their debut album Reality Check, The Teenagers espouse the hormonal tribulations of that eponymous age range with a twisted Parisian/Californian adolescent perspective.
Robbie Robertson
Storyville
1991
Robbie Robertson, guitarist and songwriter from The Band, was always an amazing musician (everyone's soul aches, wishing they had written "The Weight"). Storyville, his second solo album, is a wonder, and though I've never seen it on anyone's shelf, it is filled with his most beautiful songs.
After the show, Street was able to catch up with lead singer Jemina Abegg and lead guitarist Jonas Stein to talk about the upcoming album, touring and their abrasive style of crowd control.
Street: How does it feel to be back in Philadelphia?
Jemina Abegg: We always have awesome shows in Philly so it's great to be back.
Jonas Stein: The last time we were here was at the First Unitarian Church opening up for Sonic Youth.
2/28: RX Bandits and The English Beat
The Trocadero, All Ages
Break out your digital recorders and head down to Chinatown to catch five-piece California ska band the RX Bandits at the Troc.
Waking up early on a Saturday morning for a Ticketmaster pre-sale is never fun; what's worse is the bundle of extra charges you have to pay if you're lucky enough to snag a few seats.
Tonight: Genghis Tron
First Unitarian Church, All Ages
It's been nearly two years since Genghis Tron left upstate New York and relocated themselves in West Philadelphia.