THE SHOWDOWN: An all-singing, all-instrument switching frenzy

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THE SHOWDOWN: An all-singing, all-instrument switching frenzy

POSTED: Monday, October 4, 2010, 6:00 PM

Filed Under: Music The Showdown

Monday: Having just claimed the Mercury Prize for their debut album, The xx return to Philadelphia in a fashion befitting an award-winning group. They'll be playing the Merriam Theater, a space that isn't used for pop shows as often as it probably should. The large space should provide plenty of room to hold the spare atmospherics the band conjures, and you might even get a taste of producer/instrumentalist Jamie Smith's forthcoming solo material. Arrive early and you'll be treated to a pair of impressive openers: the spacey pop of Warpaint and the gothic rumble of Zola Jesus. 7 p.m., $25 - $33.50, Merriam Theater, 250 S Broad St., 215-732-5446. Tuesday: Menomena's name alone invokes a knee-jerk reaction that I'm sure its members are sick of hearing. Perhaps that's why they set out to make some of the most arresting and captivating sounds around. From the warped tones of 2007's Friend And Foe to this year's more straightforward Mines, the Portland trio continue to blaze a psychedelic trail that beckons you to follow. In concert, their technical proficiency is put on full display in an all-singing, all-instrument switching frenzy. w/ Suckers & Tu Fawning, 8 p.m., $14, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 215-563-3980. Wednesday: Quick, name a band from Ireland that doesn't play Celtic music and hasn't become obnoxiously self-important. That's right, Bell X1 is back, and they're playing a super intimate acoustic show. Their most recent album, Blue Lights On The Runway, offers plenty of tunes that could work with a coffeehouse makeover, though I'd imagine some new songs are in store as well. Hopefully "Amelia," their ode to the iconic aviatress, will make its way into the set, as its one of the group's loveliest numbers (and that's for a group that specializes in lovely numbers). w/ James Vincent McMorrow, 8:30 p.m., $20, Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 215-928-0770. Thursday: Though they've forged a reputation as one of indie rock's most solid forces, there's something a little mysterious about Built To Spill. Whether it's their frequent but not too frequent album releases, or the occasional head-scratching move (like the recent Electronic Anthology Project), Doug Martsch and his gang are always one step outside of total comprehensibility. That said, they're one hell of a fun band. They make a stop at the Troc just about every year, so I'm pretty sure this concert counts as a holiday. w/ Love As Laughter & Revolt Revolt, 7:30 p.m., $22 - $23, Trocadero, 10th St. & Arch St., 215-922-6888. Friday: I always get the feeling that there's still some good left in the world when a band that's been doing their thing for years is, well, still doing their thing really well. Formed in 1981 (and on a reunion streak since 2003), the Hoodoo Gurus continue to bring impeccably catchy power pop from their camp down under. A new album, Purity Of Essence, came out earlier this year, so you can expect plenty of the classic-sounding new songs to be plentiful in the night's set. The Gurus have toured the States on an limited basis over the years, so don't miss out this time. w/ Big Terrible, 7 p.m., $22 - $34, World Cafe Live, 30th St. & Walnut St., 215-222-1400. Saturday: Feed Philly 2010 isn't just a fundraiser and isn't just a concert. A benefit for Philabundance, the night will feature a slew of bands from Philadelphia and elsewhere, including skuzzy funkers The JeanMarie, adventurous hip-crew Dussel Has Friends and anthemic post-punks The Fleeting Ends. Solid grooves and charitable contributions were born to be together. w/ Jonas Sees In Color & Angie Mattson, 9 p.m., $8, The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 267-671-9298. Sunday: And in this corner, another contender for Concert Event of the Year: Gorillaz, the sometimes cartoon/sometimes regular band project of Damon Albarn, will make a long-awaited stop just across the Delaware. Each Gorillaz disc (their latest, Plastic Beach, included) has relied on sharp lyrics and sharper hooks, and a rogue's gallery of guest rappers and singers. Judging by who makes appearances on Plastic Beach, get ready for any combination of the following: Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, Mos Def, Mick Jones and Paul Simonon, Bobby Womack and De La Soul. Don't miss the opening slot from N.E.R.D., who have, surprisingly enough, yet to collaborate with Albarn. Huh. 8 p.m., $61.75 - $113.40, Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd, Camden, NJ, 856-365-1300.

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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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