Tenacious D
Jack Black will be the first to tell you that Tenacious D is the Greatest Band in the World. Maybe his screen performance has been in decline since High Fidelity, but seriously, who doesn’t want to hear “Fuck Her Gently” performed live? Come discover the true power of the pick of destiny this Sunday.
12/3 Sunday, Patriot Center
Maritime
For fans of D.C. indie rock, the Dismemberment Plan’s decision to break up was devastating. What next? Ex-Plan bassist Eric Axelson seems to have the answer with his latest band, Maritime. The group draws heavily from the sounds of the D-Plan and Death Cab for Cutie in their upbeat indie pop. The band has already sold-out a show at New York’s Mercury Lounge, so make sure to pick up a ticket, pronto.
12/4 Monday Rock and Roll Hotel
Lupe Fiasco
His dad is a prolific African drummer. His mom’s a gourmet chef. Given his genetics, it’s not surprising that Lupe Fiasco cooks up delicious beats on his debut record, Food & Liquor. Following in the footsteps of Rakim, Lupe is a Muslim rapper. He abstains from alcohol, tobacco and, as is evident on his record, curse words. Having worked with Kanye West and Jay-Z, Lupe has plenty of street cred, even if he doesn’t fit the rapper mold.
12/5 Tuesday 9:30 Club
We Are Scientists & Oxford Collapse
The combination of We Are Scientists’ pop-punk and Oxford Collapse’s 1980s-inspired indie rock promises to get even the most pretentious hipster nodding his head. And now that Oxford Collapse has signed to indie heavy hitter Sub Pop Records, you should expect a crowd.
12/12 Tuesday Black Cat
Mr Lif
Boston-based rapper Mr. Lif doesn’t force his words. He lets each syllable drop from his tongue with a groggy smoothness that may come off as lazy. This man doesn’t rest on his laurels, however. He was responsible for 2005’s greatest guest MC spot on Edan’s “Making Planets” and even managed to release an album of his own, 2006’s Mo’ Mega. Watch this workhorse make it look easy in the live environment.
12/18 Monday Black Cat
Cage
Known for his “horror-core” lyrics and a late ‘90s feud with Eminem, Cage is certainly going to attract some attention with his latest tour. The secret service may have to infiltrate the Black Cat to make sure a riot doesn’t break out when he starts Bush-bashin’ on “Grand Ol’ Party Crash.”
12/20 Wednesday Black Cat
