By Daniel Jumpertz
Special to DNAinfo
Wednesday April 18
Berlin electronic music duo Modeselektor have long been collaborators with Radiohead's Thom Yorke: he appears as vocalist and collaborator on two tracks on their 2011 album "Monkeytown" (alongside PVT, Busdriver and Anti Pop Consortium.) Think of Radiohead's electronic/experimental directions over the past decade and you're approaching Modeselektor's sonic aesthetic. Now add a more techno dance floor vibe and you've got it. Even after 20 years of making music together Modeselektor's Gernot Bronsert and Sebastian Szary remain progressive and fresh innovators in a genre that is often flat and predictable. At the Bowery Ballroom.
Also tonight, Eleanor Friedberger and Hospitality play The Bell House, Brooklyn.
Thursday April 19
Idiosyncratic alt-country band Lambchop play The Bell House, Brooklyn. Lambchop's most recent record "Mr. M" is a languid and stately piece of art — at times reminiscent of the smooth sounds of the 1930s or '40s, but also containing long transient instrumental jams that live and breathe like the best improv jazz. At times the record is similar in sound and texture to Brooklyn's The National — Lambchop singer and songwriter Kurt Wagner's vocal range is in the same sphere as The National's Matt Berninger. Described by their record label (Merge) as "Nashville's most f***ed-up country band," Lambchop have explored their unique hybrid of country, jazz, soul and avant-garde noise for almost 20 years and are considered one of America's musical treasures.
Also tonight: Master American songwriter Paul Simon (with special guests Wynton Marsalis and Aaron Neville) plays Jazz at Lincoln Center. (Also Friday)
Friday April 20
The Roots' drummer Ahmir Thompson — Questlove — is curating two nights of "Shuffle Culture" at Brooklyn Academy of Music (also Thursday). What is Shuffle Culture? Expect an eclectic mix of live performances from cut and paste DJ maestro Jeremy Ellis, smooth jazz from D.D. Jackson, and stream of consciousness beats and stories from the human beatboxer Reggie Watts. If that's not enough, Questlove's Roots bandmate Rahzel is also playing, as are chaotic San Franciscan art rockers Deerhoof.
Also tonight: Master American songwriter Paul Simon (with special guests Wynton Marsalis and Aaron Neville) plays Jazz at Lincoln Center. (Also Thursday)
Saturday April 21
Unsound Festival is an exciting program of experimental music, visual art events and free workshops across New York between Wednesday and Sunday this week. Tonight, one of the key festival events sees LA dark ambient overlord Lustmord join forces with Norwegian electronic music pioneer Biosphere. They present the world premiere of the Unsound-commissioned piece "Trinity," exploring the first tests of nuclear weapons in the New Mexico desert. At West Park Presbyterian Church.
Also tonight: Live from Daryl’s House Nu-Soul Revue, featuring Daryl Hall, with special guests (and former show participants) neo-soul stars Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. At the Beacon Theater.
Sunday April 22
Washed Out is the operational alias for Atlanta's Ernest Greene. Expect '80s synth-pop layered in shimmering ambient textures. At Highline Ballroom.
Monday April 23
Swedish punks Refused bring their supercharged energy to Terminal 5. According to their website, preparations for their first tour in 14 years have been going well: "Rehearsals have been electrifying and powerful, the songs seem to have stood the test of time pretty well and we’ve been having a great time preparing for the, mildly put, very unusual situations we soon will find ourselves in." In support, Ceremony.
Tuesday April 24
Counting Crows hit the big time in 1993 with their first single, the catchy Van Morrison-esque "Mr Jones". While they've never returned to the lofty heights that single reached, they're reloading for another shot with their new album "Underwater Sunshine (Or What We Did On Our Summer Vacation)". At Roseland Ballroom.
For more Gigs of the Week, follow @bandupdate on Twitter.
