THE SHOWDOWN: Shimmer and sheen

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THE SHOWDOWN: Shimmer and sheen

POSTED: Monday, March 14, 2011, 1:00 PM

Filed Under: Music The Showdown

Monday: Both Robyn Hitchcock and Joe Boyd have a wealth of stories to share, though only some of them will be easily understood by non-turned-on minds. Boyd, a producer whose role in the legacy of psychedelic and folk rock is indelible, will read selections from his memoir, White Bicycles. Along with the reminiscing, Hitchcock will provide musical accompaniment, playing the songs of Richard Thompson, Nick Drake and The Incredible String band, among other Boyd finds of the 1960s. While Boyd’s tales will be the stars, it’s unlikely that Hitchcock’s own surreal storytelling will sit this one out. 7:30 p.m., $33 - $45, World Cafe Live, 30th St. & Walnut St., 215-222-1400.

Tuesday: Spasmodic Canadian duo Crystal Castles quickly rose to indie-electro fame with a pair of self-titled records teeming with glitchy, abrasive beats. Just after the release of last year’s record, a re-edited version of “Not In Love” surfaced featuring vocals from The Cure’s Robert Smith. The track showed a different side of the band: melodic, lush, and sweepingly nostalgic for the days of John Hughes. Simple Minds they aren’t, but Crystal Castles make sounds that high schoolers of any generation would dig. w/ Teengirl Fantasy, 8 p.m., $26 - $38, TLA, 334 South St., 215-922-1011.

Wednesday: No matter if you’re a little bit country or rock and roll, you’ll give a whoop when you hear Grand Nationals. Despite their PA/Jersey pedigree, these guys are firmly rooted in the sounds of the Old West. Their Opry-worthy twang and down-home harmonies will make for a real dilly of a night. w/ The Farewell Drifters & Cait Black, 8 p.m., $10, North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St. 215-787-0488.

Thursday: No need to feel pressured when it comes to seeing live music on St. Patrick’s Day. If you’re already burnt out on Celtic music for the season, check out Future Islands. A blend between saccharin pop and aggressively experimental art music, Future Islands provide the spirit of Baltimore (even though they’re originally from North Carolina). You’re definitely not going to hear any renditions of “Danny Boy” at this one. w/ Club Lyfestile & Norwegian Arms, 9 p.m., $10, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 215-739-9684.

Friday: Last year, a tribute album, Coal Miner’s Daughter, was released saluting the music of Loretta Lynn. Though tributes usually come after an artist’s death or long after a band’s breakup, Lynn’s tribute comes at a time of revival and rediscovery of the country legend’s career. Her Grammy-winning 2004 album Van Lear Rose can take a share of the credit in bringing Lynn back into the spotlight, but her musical immortality lies in the material of her early years. Opening the show are The Secret Sisters, a Jack White/T-Bone Burnett find that carry the torch that Lynn herself ignited. 8 p.m., $62.50 - $72.50, Temple Performing Arts Center, 1837 N. Broad St., 1-800-298-4200.

Saturday: Lancaster’s Cozy Galaxies used to go by The Major Leagues. Pavement references aside, the new moniker is quite befitting. The group concocts a pastoral, intricately arranged landscape on their self-titled album, and electronic flourishes shimmer and sheen against the otherwise organic backdrop. Woozy and occasionally rollicking, Cozy Galaxies still frequently evoke Stephen Malkmus and company, but in a much more refined and subtle way. w/ Grubby Little Hands & Bridge Underwater, 8 p.m., $10, M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 215-739-5577.

Sunday: As the creative force behind the Red House Painters and Sun Kil Moon, Mark Kozelek has all but mastered his technique of lulling listeners into a tranquil swoon. Both projects showcase Kozelek’s delicate guitar style and intimate intonations, though Sun Kil Moon has effectively operated as a solo outlet for the past few years. Regardless, prepare to curl up with someone warm at this show, and, if Kozelek decides to do one of his renowned cover versions, prepare not to recognize it until around the 9-minute mark. 8 p.m., $15, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 215-563-3980.

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Featuring everything from event roundups to concert reviews and sex talk, City Paper's Critical Mass is a space for off-the-wall coverage of Philly's A&E scene.

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