Konono No. 1 – Black Cat; May 4; $15; 9:00
Konono No. 1, hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, brew their own brand of Afrobeat, complete with dancers, percussion, and three electric likembe to provide the melodies. Any number of “found” instruments salvaged from junkyards adds the finishing touches to the performance.
Arcade Fire – DAR Constitution Hall; May 4; 8:00; sold out
After the release of their sophomore album Neon Bible, this quirky but sophisticated group has enjoyed huge success unknown in the indie world since the likes of Radiohead. Their debut, Funeral, is even better. While best known for theatrical and epic musical manifestos, the band also boasts an extravagant live show.
LCD Soundsystem – 9:30 Club; May 13; sold out
Even if you don’t believe that you are North American scum, try to get your hands on a ticket for this sold-out show by dance music wizard James Murphy. Murphy’s talent for crafting masterful hybrids of dance and rock have resulted in some of the most infectious singles of the past five years.
!!! w/ Holy Fuck – 9:30 Club; May 14; $18
This New York based octet (whose name is pronounced chk-chk-chk) have come close to perfecting dance-punk with their critically acclaimed 2007 release, Myth Takes. In the tradition of the Talking Heads, !!! experiment with polyrhythmic layering that renders their beats a few steps above your average dance tune. And if the beats aren’t enough to get you to this show, go for the ridiculous antics of frontman Nic Offer. We promise that his enthusiasm—and scissor kicks—will get you moving.
Frog Eyes w/ Alex Delivery and Chris Garneau – Rock & Roll Hotel; May 16; 9:00; $12
With the vocal idiosyncrasies of Carey Mercer, Frog Eyes was doomed from its conception to be either adored or despised, with little room in between. Whatever your feelings may be, perhaps the idea of Carey Mercer as David Bowie on crack will intrigue you.
Andrew Bird w/ Joan as Police Woman – 9:30 Club; May 20; $20
Chicago-based singer/songwriter/violinist/master whistler Andrew Bird defies expectations of what one man can do musically. While his albums have received critical acclaim for throwing gypsy folk, jazz, pop, rock and swing into a pot and churning out an astonishingly good genre stew, Bird is perhaps most famous for his live shows, where he masterfully recreates his album tracks on his own by looping each instrument and playing over himself.
The Pipettes – Black Cat; June 2; mainstage; 9:00; $10
What do you get when you combine motown, feminism, polka dot dresses and red hair ribbons? A Pipettes show, of course. This sassy British trio will tour in anticipation of the U.S. release of their debut, We Are the Pipettes, on August 28. While the tour isn’t timed perfectly, it will coincide with the June 5 release of their EP, Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me.
Marnie Stern – July 24; 9:00; $10
This girl shreds. She also handles vocals, synth, songwriting and production duties and has managed to create an album that sounds unlike anything else out there. Stern sets up a musical call and response with herself as she whips out riffs that are nothing short of astonishing in their technical complexity. Go see for yourself that a girl really can handle a guitar as well as all the boys.
