THE SHOWDOWN: Those esteemed ranks

POSTED: Monday, March 21, 2011, 1:00 PM

Filed Under: Music The Showdown

Monday: Hot off the heels of their third album’s release, Canadian dreamers Young Galaxy are coming to share their artsy swirls of auditory aura. With an unconventional approach to writing and recording that included communication via Skype and carving away at arrangements, Shapeshifting has already been hailed as the trio’s best work to date. Having toured with some of indie pop’s current royalty, Young Galaxy are fast on their way to formally joining those esteemed ranks. w/ Winter Gloves, 8 p.m., $10, Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 215-291-4919.

Tuesday: If you only know Simian Mobile Disco for their go-to status as noisemakers at most Making Time afterparties, then you need to see them at a proper show more than you realize. The UK duo makes concocting beats and remixes seem easy, but you’ll be far too busy boogieing to try and figure out how they do it. Show up, get moving, keep moving, don’t upset the rhythm. w/ Blondes, Dave P & Sammy Slice, 8 p.m., $14 - $17, Trocadero, 10th & Arch Sts., 215-922-6888.

Wednesday: As Dinosaur Jr’s spindly-haired frontman, J Mascis can pack a wallop. On his new solo album, though, he’s toned down everything, including his trademark overdriven guitar. Taking on the persona of a freaked-out singer-songwriter, J’s Several Shades Of Why is fragile and hushed, but alluring in abundance. For those who’ve always wanted to see J live but couldn’t afford the eardrum trauma of a Dinosaur Jr show, be sure to see the guy get his folk on. w/ Kurt Vile And The Violators, 8 p.m., $21 - $43, World Cafe Live, 30th St. & Walnut St., 215-222-1400.

Thursday: The name Deep Dark Robot might not sound familiar (indeed it shouldn’t because it’s a new group), but the brain behind it is an old friend. Previously of 4 Non Blondes and the producer’s seat on countless rock and pop records, Linda Perry has finally returned to making her own music DDR’s debut, 8 Songs About A Girl, is Perry’s first new release in over 10 years, though she recently embarked on an impromptu ‘iPhone’ series of audio dispatches. w/ Leiana, 8 p.m., $15, North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St. 215-787-0488.

Friday: More than just any old concert, this evening is an all-out festival. The Caravan Festival, to be precise. Rescheduled (and expanded) from an original date in October, the festival will culminate with a set from cinematic swooners DeVotchKa, whose new album, 100 Lovers, is an eclectic masterpiece. Before that, though, you’ll have the chance to take in more world-fusion sounds from a cavalcade of globally-influenced groups. Many of those bands are local, showing that knowing no borders really knows no borders. w/ Mariachi el Bronx, West Philadelphia Orchestra, Kruno Spisic, Mischief Brew & West Powelton Steppers, 8 p.m., $25 - $32.70, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., 215-627-1332.

Saturday: How do you know that Cults are a band to latch onto? It’s not their Robert Longo-inspired looks. It’s even not the fact that music fans, blogs and even bigwig record companies scrambled to find out more about them when three songs mysteriously appeared online last year. It’s their sweet-as-Kool-Aid hooks and lazy summer atmospheres that make their upcoming full-length debut so delectable. And just so you know, there’s only a very small chance you’ll leave this show with a shaved head and flowing white robe. w/ Asobi Seksu & Warm Ghost, 9 p.m., $12, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 215-739-9684.

Sunday: Aiden James sure knows how to wrestle with feelings. His songs are intimately personal, drawing from heartbreak, joy, different heartbreak and reflection. To know the guy is to know a sweet, outgoing soul, but his musical persona can be a bit more fragile and introverted. Think doubled over his guitar in strained ecstatic passion. He’s had experiences just like any of us, only he’s turned them into dynamite songs. w/ Natalia Zukerman & Garrison Starr, 7 p.m., $12, Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 215-928-0770.

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