Wednesday, November 28
Sky Ferreira is a young pop star on the rise. A jack of all trades, she's a model and has appeared in some underground films (including Adam Green's "The Wrong Ferrari"). Her music veers from electropop to more atmospheric Lana Del Ray-like moments. Until her debut album "I'm Not Alright" hits in 2013, check out her current EP "Ghost." At Glasslands Gallery.
Thursday, November 29
New York hip-hop legends Public Enemy are experiencing an unexpected moment back in the pop charts, after their 2007 single "Harder Than You Think" was adopted as a theme song for the recent Paralympic Games in London — since becoming their highest-ever charting single in the U.K. On their current "Hip Hop Gods Tour" Public Enemy will be playing tracks from their most recent albums, which were both released in 2012. Bandleader Chuck D describes the albums, "The Evil Empire of Everything" and "Most of My Heroes Still Don't Appear on No Stamp," as "fraternal twins." The albums have received strong reviews, with Allmusic saying "the music remains vital and vibrant, possibly because, despite some progress, things still haven't changed all that much and, in some respects, have gotten worse...and as long as Public Enemy's heroes remain consigned to the margins, they'll still make music as dynamic as this." At Irving Plaza.
Friday, November 30
Although rocker heartthrob Rick Springfield is best known stateside for his early hits "Jessie's Girl," "I've Done Everything for You" and "Don't Talk to Strangers," his pop career began in the late '60s in Melbourne, Australia, where his band Zoot enjoyed early pop success Down Under with an instrumental cover of The Beatle's "Eleanor Rigby." Springfield moved to the U.S. in 1972, eventually landing a starring role in the TV soap opera "General Hospital" in 1981, around the same time his American musical career really started to take off. Although the hits tapered off, Springfield has continued recording, touring (and acting), with his most recent album, the hard-rocking "Songs for the End of the World," released this year. At Best Buy Theater.
Saturday, December 1
Tonight Dinosaur Jr. celebrate the 25th anniversary of their second album “You’re Living All Over Me” at Terminal 5. The band will play the album in its entirety (including the last song on the album, a frantic cover version of The Cure's "Just Like Heaven"), followed by a second set spanning their catalog with special guests Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth), Johnny Marr (The Smiths) and others joining them onstage. With Kurt Vile in support.
Although they're reliving the past, Dinosaur Jr. has recently released an album of new material, "I Bet On Sky." Singer and guitarist J Mascis talked to one of Portland's top feminist bookstore professionals, Candace of Women & Women First, about the new release here.
Sunday, December 2
In September 1965, the showbiz magazines Daily Variety and The Hollywood Reporter ran an ad seeking cast members for what would eventually become the Monkees TV show: "Madness!! Auditions. Folk & Roll Musicians-Singers for acting roles in new TV series. Running Parts for 4 insane boys, age 17-21." Out of 437 applicants, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz were selected to join former West End child star Davy Jones in the band. Tonight, The Monkees wrap up their first tour since Jones passed away in February. The tour also marks the first time that Nesmith, Dolenz and Tork have played together since 1997. The Monkees will perform a selection of their biggest hits ("I'm A Believer," "Daydream Believer," "Last Train To Clarkesville"), as well as deeper cuts from their mega-platinum chart-topping early albums. Accompanying will be a multimedia show filled with rare films and photographs. At Beacon Theatre.
Monday, December 3
Neil Young is touring behind "Psychedelic Pill," his first album of new material in 10 years with longtime buddies Crazy Horse. Young's association with Crazy Horse began in 1969 with the top 40 album "Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere," which contained the classic tracks "Cinnamon Girl," "Down by the River" and "Cowgirl in the Sand." "Psychedelic Pill" marks his 10th studio album with Billy Talbot, Ralph Molina and Frank "Poncho" Sampedro, with some critics calling it their strongest collaboration to date. At Barclays Center. With Patti Smith and her band.
Tuesday, December 4
Canadian two-piece garage rockers Japandroids bring the raucous and sweaty live show to Webster Hall tonight. With DIIV in support.
