Our weekly concert picks: September 10–September 16
What we’re checking out live this week!
What we're checking out live this week!
Thursday, September 11: Shonen Knife
One of the things I love most about Shonen Knife is that they're proof that just because you're feminine doesn't mean you can't be punk. Not that anyone ever claimed this, exactly (that you're feminine means you can't be punk, that is) — but there's definitely something inherently masculine about so many aspects of punk culture, from its sweat and tattered clothes to its undercurrents of aggression. Shonen Knife are a Japanese punk band formed between sisters Naoko and Atsuko Yamano and friend Michie Nakatani in 1981, who went on to garner a huge cult following, including, famously, the respect of tourmates Sonic Youth and Nirvana. They're heavily influenced by bands like The Ramones and write frothy songs about bananas and giant kitties. They're also strictly DIY and rock with the force of 1,000,000 giant kitties — which is to say, with power, fuzz, and a surprising amount of bite. They're now touring behind 2014's Overdrive and will drop by Underground Arts this Thursday alongside another awesome lady trio: Philly punks Amanda X.
9:00 at Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St., $13. Tickets available here.
Saturday, September 13: Dr. Dog
Writing about Dr. Dog in 2014, I'm aware, first and foremost, that they've been a band for 13 years. That's longer than Man Man, or Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, or The A-Sides, or any of those bands I associate with fun, mid-aughts rock and drinking too much Sparks (remember Sparks??) upstairs at 700 Club. When Dr. Dog first burst onto the scene in 2001, they were a bunch of fresh-faced kids from Chester County, a low-key side project between middle school friends with an invigorating live show — and over many, many years they gradually transitioned to Philly's sweethearts, whose solid, good natured rock can sell out venues, and still send everyone home smiling. In 2014, the band is touring behind its 8th record, B-Room, recorded in their brand new studio, which resonates with the easy joy of a band confident in its skin (and its space). They'll stop by the Mann Center this Saturday for one of the last great outdoor shows this summer, alongside a trio of solid openers: cool Canadian slacker Mac DeMarco, wordy Jersey punks The Front Bottoms, and quirky Philly trio Hop Along. See you on the lawn, Philly!
6:30 at The Mann Center for Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave., $20-35. Tickets available here.
Saturday, September 13: James Murphy
In some ways, James Murphy is the exact opposite of what you'd expect from the godfather of post-hipster snark (we say "post" because "hipster" is so played out). In other ways, he's exactly what you'd expect. The 44-year-old DJ, producer, and former LCD Soundsystem front man is scruffy and a little overweight; he grew up in suburban new Jersey and went to NYU, where he was apparently the Dan Humphrey of the Lower East Side (i.e., a great student/fond of v-necks). Yet typical or not there's no one person who seems to understand and embody all the frustrations and soaring highs of youth and underground culture quite like Murphy. His label, DFA Records (cofounded with Tim Goldsworthy and Jonathan Galkin in 2001) is one of the most exciting and forward-thinking right now, releasing records from the likes of Hot Chip, The Rapture, and YACHT; his own project, LCD Soundsystem released three, life-changing records and then disbanded at the height of its popularity, choosing to burn out rather than fade away. This Saturday, Murphy stops by Morgan's Pier to spin cool, back-to-school tunes. Embrace the last clutches of summer while you can!
9:30 at Morgan's Pier, 221 N. Columbus Blvd., $10. Tickets available here.
Monday, September 15: Literature
Your new favorite band! Philly four piece Literature craft fun, high-energy jangle pop guaranteed to slap you out of your Monday evening slump. Originally formed as a collaboration between friends in Austin, TX, Literature relocated to Philly in 2012 and never looked back. Since then, they've hit the road with the likes of Ted Leo, Eternal Summers, The Pains of Being, and more — and slowed morphed into one of the city's most engaging live bands. This Monday, they celebrate the release of sophomore record Chorus with a party at Underground Arts. Honestly, there are so many things we love about this band — from boisterous, ramshackle guitars to wordy lyrics to high contrast vocal harmonies — that summing it up in 150 words is tough. Go see them and experience it yourself! They're joined by two bands we can easily get behind: low-key summer pop duo The Drums, and lo-fi pop group (and Frankie Rose side project) Beverly. Mondays never felt so fun.
8:30 at Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St., $15. Tickets available here.