THE SHOWDOWN: Entertain, surprise and possibly baffle

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THE SHOWDOWN: Entertain, surprise and possibly baffle

POSTED: Monday, January 17, 2011, 6:00 PM

Filed Under: Music The Showdown

Monday: Just a few days ago, Only Theives' tour blog detailed singer Jeremy Barnes' bout with a wintertime illness. He remains optimistic, though with a regimen of NyQuil and whiskey. While their medical sensibilities might be called into question, Only Theives are much better at making really clever music. There's a little pit of punk, psychedelic and roots rock mixed into their overall sound, making for an eclectic but cohesive set, no prescription required. w/ Mean Streets & Evolett, 8 p.m., $5, Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 215-291-4919. Tuesday: Bringing fiery garage energy to soul music, Fitz & The Tantrums broke out last year with their debut, Pickin' Up The Pieces. Initially the venture of two very dapper gents, the live version of The Tantrums features a full band and additional singers. Fitz & The Tantrums strive to create songs that are reverent without being too heavily reliant on their variety of influences. What you'll hear is a collision of classic sensibilities and modern attitude. w/ Toy Soldiers, 8 p.m., $14 - $21, World Cafe Live, 30th St. & Walnut St., 215-222-1400. Wednesday: Sure, Reading's Six O'Clock Saints are into new wave and electro-rock (I mean, just get a load of their debut, Exculpation), but their mission is more complex. Drawing from B-movies and Cold War PSAs, the Saints' visuals showcase their deep connection (obsession?) with media of all kinds. Their aural and visual assault is enough to make you consult the works of Marshall McLuhan, but it'll more likely make you want to boogie. w/ Battle Circus, World on Fire, Allison Tartalia & JAS Nature, 8 p.m., $5, The Grape Room, 105 Grape St., 215-930-0321. Thursday: As if Yo La Tengo didn't already put on a thrilling enough show, the Hoboken trio has devised a surefire way to entertain, surprise, and potentially baffle each audience on their tour. As Elvis Costello did in 1986, Yo La Tengo will let a giant wheel dictate the night's presentation. According to their website (where you can even practice spinning the magic wheel), possible outcomes include performances as garage-y alter egos Condo Fucks, a music-infused Q&A session, or "Sitcom Theater." Cross your fingers for "Sitcom Theater." w/ William Tyler, 8 p.m., $18.50 - $21, Trocadero, 10th & Arch Sts., 215-922-6888. Friday: When a band is created on a friendship that, itself, is created on a love for music, you know that the band is going to be something special. Adam & Dave's Bloodline is indeed something special, spanning more than 15 years of ever-changing tastes and ever-expanding influences. From country to dance to punk to folk, nothing's off limits for A+D . Under it all, their love of music ties together the seemingly disparate genres into something of pure joy. w/ Blayer Pointdujour, Shorty Boy-Boy & Caboder, 7 p.m., $5, Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 215-291-4919. Saturday: Cornerstones of the folk community, David Buskin and Robin Batteau add roots inflections to heartfelt, anthemic compositions. Jumping from instrument to instrument (sometimes within a single song), Buskin and Batteau's material frequently becomes suite-like. Reflections on their years in and around the folk music world are incorporated into the songs and stories that make up their exceptionally rarified concerts. w/ John Flynn, 7 p.m., $20, Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 215-928-0770. Sunday: Yes, The Menzingers are a punk band. They don't exclusively play punk music, but each genre they touch gets smeared with a rushing, lively brand of rock n' roll ethos. Their guitars wail, their drums thunder and their vocals often join into one jubilant cry. They also released a record last year, and its songs will likely make up a good portion of the set. Definitely a group to watch out for, The Menzingers are out to give the world a little taste of what Scranton has to offer. w/ Algernon Cadwallader, Tigers Jaw & Glocca Morra, 7 p.m., $7, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 215-563-3980.

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