By Danny Jumpertz
Special to DNAinfo.com
With CMJ taking place all over the city until Saturday the city is groaning under the weight of 100,000 hipsters. But beyond the oppressive realm of cool indie there lies a musical landscape of great beauty, power and history.
We're very lucky in this fine city to have the opportunity to enjoy artists in all phases of their career. The scratchy beginnings, the pulsating peaks, the inevitable decline and the credible comebacks.
Wednesday October 19
Garage-y, '60s-influenced indie-popsters Cloud Nothings bring their sweet sounds to the Cake Shop at 3:15 p.m. today.
Also tonight: Highly-rated dark poppers Forest Fire unveil their new album "Staring At The X" at Mercury Lounge. Note early gig start time of 6:30 p.m.
Thursday October 20
Dinosaur Jr. legend J Mascis has been enjoying a creative renaissance of late. His latest record is "Several Shades of Why" which featured guest musicians including Kurt Vile and Sophie Trudeau. Hear the acoustic-textured album at the Mercury Lounge.
Also tonight: Bleeding Knees Club will play tracks from their "Virginity" EP. Expect super fun lo-fi Jonathan Richman vibes. At The Delancey at 8 p.m.
Friday October 21
George Benson is justly recognised as one of the finest jazz guitarists ever. When you add his smooth vocals and hit songwriting into the mix, you have a true contemporary music legend. Hear the grooves of "Give Me The Night" and "On Broadway" tonight at The Town Hall.
Also tonight: '90s supergroup En Vogue — they have won more MTV Video Music Awards than any other female group in MTV history — play B.B. King Blues Club and Grill. They have just released their first single in seven years, "I'll Cry Later".
Saturday October 22
The New York Times described CSS as "a gleeful throwback to early-1980s art-school pop." These Brazilians always provide an uplifting live party experience. At Webster Hall.
Also tonight: Gillian Welch unveils her new album "The Harrow & The Harvest" at the Beacon Theatre.
Sunday October 23
Pop parody master "Weird Al" Yankovic plays the Beacon Theatre.
Also tonight: With Halloween approaching, Gwar is in its element. Expect theatrics and crazy get-ups that make '70s rockers such as Kiss look like cuddly children's book characters. At Irving Plaza.
Monday October 24
Progressive rock legends and former Yes bandmates Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman get back together to re-live the good old times. At the Concert Hall at the New York Society for Ethical Culture on W. 64th Street. Tickets available here.
Tuesday October 25 - PICK OF THE WEEK
CANT is the electronic side project of Chris Taylor (of Grizzly Bear fame). The recent album "Dreams Come True" is simultaneously luscious and ambient. Rounding off a very strong bill is Luke Temple and Blood Orange, 8 p.m. at the Bowery Ballroom.
Also tonight: '80s superstars Duran Duran play Madison Square Garden. Hats off to them, too, their latest album "All You Need Is Now" is a good listen, building on their mid-'80s sound.
Born and raised in The Bronx, Ace Frehley remains an American rock hero. He joined Kiss in 1973 after an audition above a bar on E. 23rd St, and later designed the band's double-lightning-bolt logo. Hear what he's been up to at B.B. King Blues Club and Grill.
