Otherwise Engaged: Bare Wires

It is an unfortunate reality for the serious concertgoer that on occasion, there will be more than one show on any given night that you really, really, REALLY wanna go to. Since the vast majority of us don't own a time machine, nor have the ability to either clone ourselves or split ourselves in half (or thirds or quarters, depending on the night in question), this tends to present a problem. Difficult decisions are made based on a multitude of variables (perhaps some of you even make lists of pros and cons), and ultimately, a show is chosen. But those other shows are still gonna be killer, and I'd like to give a little face time to the shows that, while I can't go myself, are highly recommended all the same.

Who here likes free shows? Yeah? Me too. Free shows are great, especially when there's a killer band involved. Tonight, DC denizens, you can take in some seriously awesome free music over at Comet Ping Pong, when Oakland's Bare Wires come to town and tear shit up. Bare Wires reminds me a whole lot of some vintage T. Rex, though not quite as glittery and with more fantastic fuzz and rough and ready swagger. If you're in need of something fun to do tonight, my little District-ian friends, look no further.

mp3: Don't Ever Change (Bare Wires from Seeking Love)

Otherwise Engaged: Starfucker/Casiokids

It is an unfortunate reality for the serious concertgoer that on occasion, there will be more than one show on any given night that you really, really, REALLY wanna go to. Since the vast majority of us don't own a time machine, nor have the ability to either clone ourselves or split ourselves in half (or thirds or quarters, depending on the night in question), this tends to present a problem. Difficult decisions are made based on a multitude of variables (perhaps some of you even make lists of pros and cons), and ultimately, a show is chosen. But those other shows are still gonna be killer, and I'd like to give a little face time to the shows that, while I can't go myself, are highly recommended all the same.

Oh, Spring. You're such a tease. Don't let the Winter weather fool you, my loves, this is most assuredly Spring. How do I know? Because there are too many daggum good shows all at the same time, that's how. For instance, you might find yourself unsure of which awesome show to go to Wednesday evening. One of your choices is the super radness of thinking-man dance maniacs Starfucker, coming to spread their rainbow-flavored rollicking roller disco lusciousness with a serious side. all over this here city. They've been mercifully released from SXSW-related incarceration to spread their party love to the masses. Go forth and have a grand ole time.

mp3: Death As a Fetish (Starfucker from Reptilians)

Otherwise Engaged: Fujiya & Miyagi/BRAHMS/Warm Ghost

It is an unfortunate reality for the serious concertgoer that on occasion, there will be more than one show on any given night that you really, really, REALLY wanna go to. Since the vast majority of us don't own a time machine, nor have the ability to either clone ourselves or split ourselves in half (or thirds or quarters, depending on the night in question), this tends to present a problem. Difficult decisions are made based on a multitude of variables (perhaps some of you even make lists of pros and cons), and ultimately, a show is chosen. But those other shows are still gonna be killer, and I'd like to give a little face time to the shows that, while I can't go myself, are highly recommended all the same.

Y'all, this one really, really hurts. Sure, I've missed a few good shows in my day, but this here show tomorrow night is gonna be STELLAR. I just know it. I've been lucky enough to see Fujiya & Miyagi once before, and seeing them in a smaller space would be amazing. If you like your danceable Britness sultry and smart and slinky and smoky, this is the band for you. On their own, they would be non-missable, but throw in BRAHMS and Warm Ghost? I don't know what you've got planned for tomorrow, but you might want to rethink it, unless of course you're hitting the Rock & Roll Hotel for this shindig. Yeah, I won't be there, but you can make up for my absence and go have a damn good time for the both of us.

mp3: Sixteen Shade of Black & Blue (Fujiya & Miyagi from Ventriloquizzing)

Otherwise Engaged: Young Galaxy/Winter Gloves

It is an unfortunate reality for the serious concertgoer that on occasion, there will be more than one show on any given night that you really, really, REALLY wanna go to. Since the vast majority of us don't own a time machine, nor have the ability to either clone ourselves or split ourselves in half (or thirds or quarters, depending on the night in question), this tends to present a problem. Difficult decisions are made based on a multitude of variables (perhaps some of you even make lists of pros and cons), and ultimately, a show is chosen. But those other shows are still gonna be killer, and I'd like to give a little face time to the shows that, while I can't go myself, are highly recommended all the same.

Tonight there is a bunch of stuff going on in town, one of these events being what surely will be a great, great show over at the Red Palace with Young Galaxy and Winter Gloves. Having seen Montrealians Young Galaxy live a few months back, I can say for a fact that those of you who venture over to the Atlas District for this here show shan't be disappointed. Go on, go out and have yourself a daggum good time.

mp3: Plastic Slides (Winter Gloves from All Red)

mp3: Peripheral Visionaries (Young Galaxy from Shapeshifting)

Otherwise Engaged: Rewards

It is an unfortunate reality for the serious concertgoer that on occasion, there will be more than one show on any given night that you really, really, REALLY wanna go to. Since the vast majority of us don't own a time machine, nor have the ability to either clone ourselves or split ourselves in half (or thirds or quarters, depending on the night in question), this tends to present a problem. Difficult decisions are made based on a multitude of variables (perhaps some of you even make lists of pros and cons), and ultimately, a show is chosen. But those other shows are still gonna be killer, and I'd like to give a little face time to the shows that, while I can't go myself, are highly recommended all the same.

Tonight was one of those oh-so hard decisions, friends, and I'd encourage those of you who haven't yet made up your mind for your DC weekend plans to give serious consideration to going to see Rewards along with Warpaint and Family Band over at the Rock&Roll Hotel. Rewards is the one-man, 80s-inspired juggernaut helmed by Chairlift's Aaron Pfenning. Based on what I've heard thus far, I predict many a chill will be experienced as Pfenning churns out his lovely, haunting sonic gems. But don't take my word for it. Go see for yourself.

mp3: Two Cardinals (Rewards from the forthcoming Rewards album)

Otherwise Engaged: Weekend

It is an unfortunate reality for the serious concertgoer that on occasion, there will be more than one show on any given night that you really, really, REALLY wanna go to. Since the vast majority of us don't own a time machine, nor have the ability to either clone ourselves or split ourselves in half (or thirds or quarters, depending on the night in question), this tends to present a problem. Difficult decisions are made based on a multitude of variables (perhaps some of you even make lists of pros and cons), and ultimately, a show is chosen. But those other shows are still gonna be killer, and I'd like to give a little face time to the shows that, while I can't go myself, are highly recommended all the same.

Tomorrow night, otherwise known as the night before turkey, is a seriously flummoxing evening. Too much to do, too much to see, too much to hear! If I wasn't already booked, chances are I'd probably be getting pretty dang psyched about this here Young Prisms and Weekend show over at the newly-minted Red Palace. I suspect much noice of a rather pleasing variety, which of course means a good time is sure to be had by all. If you're inclined to dig some abrasion with your music, well, this one's for you.

mp3: Coma Summer (Weekend from Sports)

Otherwise Engaged: Earl Greyhound

It is an unfortunate reality for the serious concertgoer that on occasion, there will be more than one show on any given night that you really, really, REALLY wanna go to. Since the vast majority of us don't own a time machine, nor have the ability to either clone ourselves or split ourselves in half (or thirds or quarters, depending on the night in question), this tends to present a problem. Difficult decisions are made based on a multitude of variables (perhaps some of you even make lists of pros and cons), and ultimately, a show is chosen. But those other shows are still gonna be killer, and I'd like to give a little face time to the shows that, while I can't go myself, are highly recommended all the same.

This band always makes me think of Britain, for some reason, though I suspect their name plays no small part in that. They're actually Brooklyn-based, and actually pretty rad beside the nods to Anglophilia. The band in question, Earl Greyhound, will be at the Black Cat tomorrow evening, for all you local kids in need of some excellent music to partake in. I'd hazard a guess that there will be much rocking.

mp3: Everything Else Is Illusion (Shooter Jennings & Earl Greyhound from Black Ribbons)

Otherwise Engaged: Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti/Os Mutantes

It is an unfortunate reality for the serious concertgoer that on occasion, there will be more than one show on any given night that you really, really, REALLY wanna go to. Since the vast majority of us don't own a time machine, nor have the ability to either clone ourselves or split ourselves in half (or thirds or quarters, depending on the night in question), this tends to present a problem. Difficult decisions are made based on a multitude of variables (perhaps some of you even make lists of pros and cons), and ultimately, a show is chosen. But those other shows are still gonna be killer, and I'd like to give a little face time to the shows that, while I can't go myself, are highly recommended all the same.

One could say that all things weird and wonderful, all sounds great and small were made by the Animal Collective-approved Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti and the bewitchingly bizarre Os Mutantes. There’s gonna be all sorts of psychy-electro-trippy-dippy wackiness happening when LA meets Brasil and new school meets old school at the 9:30 Club this very evening. I suspect there might also be a whole lotta dancefloor action, as well. If you're in the DC area and in need of something to do this holiday evening, consider yourself booked. Just make sure to bring your dancing shoes.

mp3: Round and Round (Little Loud Remix) (Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti from Before Today)

Otherwise Engaged: Interpol/White Rabbits

It is an unfortunate reality for the serious concertgoer that on occasion, there will be more than one show on any given night that you really, really, REALLY wanna go to. Since the vast majority of us don't own a time machine, nor have the ability to either clone ourselves or split ourselves in half (or thirds or quarters, depending on the night in question), this tends to present a problem. Difficult decisions are made based on a multitude of variables (perhaps some of you even make lists of pros and cons), and ultimately, a show is chosen. But those other shows are still gonna be killer, and I'd like to give a little face time to the shows that, while I can't go myself, are highly recommended all the same.

There are few things I love more than a good bit of moody, melancholy darkness as performed by black-clad, brooding gentlemen. Now that the weather is taking a dive (much like Argentian footballers! Zing!), the need for the cold angularity of certain music becomes even greater. If you’re like me, and get a serious case of the mopes around this time of year, you’re in luck (well, only if you’re in the greater DC metro area). Tonight, over at DAR Constitution Hall, you can get your brood on with a fantastic double bill starring Interpol and White Rabbits. I strongly suggest you consider attending. If I wasn’t an incubus of plague, I’d be there myself.

mp3: They Done Wrong, We Done Wrong (White Rabbits from It's Frightening)

Otherwise Engaged: Cloud Cult

It is an unfortunate reality for the serious concertgoer that on occasion, there will be more than one show on any given night that you really, really, REALLY wanna go to. Since the vast majority of us don't own a time machine, nor have the ability to either clone ourselves or split ourselves in half (or thirds or quarters, depending on the night in question), this tends to present a problem. Difficult decisions are made based on a multitude of variables (perhaps some of you even make lists of pros and cons), and ultimately, a show is chosen. But those other shows are still gonna be killer, and I'd like to give a little face time to the shows that, while I can't go myself, are highly recommended all the same.

For example, let's look at tonight, shall we? The District of Columbia is blessed with a bounty of shows virtually any night of the week. But on nights such as tonight, this gift becomes almost a burden. Any other night of the week, I would totally be at the Black Cat to see Cloud Cult. Any. Other. Night. I've never seen 'em, have wanted to see 'em for a while, and would love to see them at my favoritest of favorite spots. But of course, the scheduling gods did not take my needs into consideration. Thanks a lot, scheduling gods. But just because I can't be there for their sonic goodness doesn't mean YOU can't be. And rest of the country, they're on tour for a wee while longer, so go forth and enjoy.

mp3: You'll Be Bright (Cloud Cult from Light Chasers)