In the weeks until the next issue of The Voice, DC will be packed with some of the coolest shows we’ve had the pleasure of seeing all year. Like that one time the P-Funk Mothership made a freak landing at a Hootie and the Blowfish concert, the mix is bizarre and the results, clearly unpredictable. That guy from Hootie only had to give an “inadvertent hip shake” to bring down such insanity; you don’t even have to do that. If you’re lucky enough to be remaining here over Easter break, a feast is coming your way.
It all kicks off with KRS-One’s show Saturday night at D.C. Tunnel. KRS, with countless records under his belt as a solo performer and with Boogie Down Productions, founded a vein of hip-hop which has only recently been rescued from its extended dormancy period under the G-Funk era and its aftermath. Having spent years preaching the value of knowledge and education for African-Americans, KRS is now back on the scene dropping some of the hottest jams of yesteryear. The 80s appreciation continues unabated.
Curiously enough, KRS is currently rumored to be interested in producing future projects for one of the best MCs ever to grace the art, Minnesota’s own Slug. With a new Atmosphere record in the shops (The Lucy Ford LP), Slug and his merry band may sadly be on the way to real stardom. However, if KRS proves the rumors true and flexes his chops on forthcoming projects, Slug’s rise to fame may turn out to be a good thing. Funny how that works.
Come Monday, the insanity continues. J. Mascis and the Fog drop the Indie-rock bomb on the Black Cat. After the demise of college favorites Dinosaur Jr, J.Mascis has seen fit to keep the flame alive. Now touring in support of The Fog’s first record More Light, the band’s set is guaranteed quality.
Of course, it’s not until classes end on Wednesday that the real fun begins. Rocket from the Crypt touch down at the Black Cat for an evening of punk rock just like you like it. The real treat for the evening, however, will be opening act The (International) Noise Conspiracy.
Hailing from the remarkably musical climes of Sweden, Noise Conspiracy are as unique as punk bands come. I might describe their sound as “fusion-punk;” like Herbie Hancock, but not really at all like Herbie Hancock. Apparently, their love for Marxism far outstrips their interest in music, which is certainly something you couldn’t say about said Herbie. Whether or not this is a bad thing is up to you to decide.
Thursday night sees Emo heroes, Jets to Brazil, in town, now touring off their new record Four Cornered Night. So go back to the Black Cat.
Friday, the decisions begin to pile up. Faithful concertgoer, you are faced with BS2000 playing the 9:30 Club and Frank Black and the Catholics a few blocks away at the Black Cat. For some, this is difficult; for many, it’s not even a contest. Just keep in mind that Magnetic Fields are hitting up the 9:30 earlier that evening.
St. Germain bless the 9:30 on Easter Sunday. Granted, this marathon will certainly be feeling lengthy come the 15th. However, St. Germain are really good. A bunch of French house hipsters who realized that it was all getting a bit boring got together to jam, and Tourist was born. One of Blue Note’s best records in recent memory, Tourist brings a wide spectrum of jazz to tight production, always keeping one eye half-cocked on the dancefloor.
Lastly, Billy Idol will be filming his VH1 Storytellers special at the 9:30 Club Monday night. Future generations will thank us.
Will will donate his roommate to anyone who can prove they completed the above.
