NEW YORK — Celebrate American music in its many and varied iterations this week.
Musicians from the 1960s (John Fogerty), 1970s (The Eagles), 1980s (The B-52's), 1990s (Built To Spill) and the 2000s (Justin Timberlake) are appearing on stages around town, reinforcing the undeniable fact that this city really is the music capital of the world.
And if you'd rather hear what's coming next in music, the Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival launches Thursday night with progressive sounds played on the hottest PA system in town. Listen up on my Spotify playlist below.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
After dominating the global charts with the release of his acclaimed new album, "The 20/20 Experience," Justin Timberlake's first tour in six years will visit dozens of countries within the continents of North America, Europe, South America and Australia. With The Weeknd at Barclays Center in Downtown Brooklyn.
Loosely tethered to dubstep, but displaying a strong grasp of songwriting and electronic production, Londoner James Blake’s songs possess uncommon grace and soulfulness. At Terminal 5, Hell's Kitchen. (Also Thursday)
Midlake's latest album "Antiphon" is the fourth full-length release for the Texas rock band and its first without singer Tim Smith, who left in November 2012. The album has attracted strong reviews with The Observer (UK) saying, "Despite the undercurrents of melancholia, Antiphon is another impeccably realized meld of bucolic '70s folk and radio-friendly soft rock, as warm and assured as it is adventurous." At The Mercury Lounge, Lower East Side.
Thursday, Nov. 7
Since forming in 1992 Indiana's Built To Spill has been one of America's most consistently excellent rock bands, with a solid reputation built over eight studio albums and hundreds of live shows. Led by singer, songwriter and guitarist Doug Martsch, Built to Spill's songs and guitar work show influences of J. Mascis, Jimi Hendrix and Neil Young. At Irving Plaza, Union Square.
The B-52's formed in Athens, Georgia in 1976 and were from the outset a positive, enthusiastic, slightly oddball party band. Their first single "Rock Lobster" was a sizable international hit and set the tone for their self-titled debut, which also contained the hits "Planet Claire" and "Dance This Mess Around." At Brooklyn Bowl, Williamsburg.
Phil Lesh is a founding member of eclectic American music icons Grateful Dead. He created Phil Lesh and Friends as a way of continuing the legacy of his former band. The band has released three albums and has featured members of Phish, Little Feat, and the Zen Tricksters. Tickets are still available for tonight's performance at the Best Buy Theatre in Midtown.
Williamsburg's Output is the venue for the Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival's official pre-party. The evening promises to take audiences "back into the past, before stage production and light shows ruled the dance floor. When people came together solely for the sake of the sound." On the bill tonight, underground electronic producers Skream, Oneman, Curses! and the mysterious Route 94.
Friday, Nov. 8
Former members of Vetiver, Portlanders Pure Bathing Culture combine hints of Cocteau Twins and Talk Talk on their dreamy debut album "Moon Tides." At Bowery Ballroom, with Widowspeak headlining.
Sinead O'Connor's "The American Kindness Tour" makes a three night pitstop at City Winery in TriBeCa (also Saturday, Sunday).
Saturday, Nov. 9
Rock and Roll Hall of Famers the Eagles revisit their platinum back catalog tonight at Madison Square Garden in Midtown. The lineup of Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit will also play some of their solo hits. (Also Friday and Monday.)
As part of the Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival, Actress — the recording name of avant-garde UK producer Darren Cunningham — plays the Music Hall of Williamsburg tonight, while Oneohtrix Point Never, Thug Entrancer and David Kanaga play the Glasslands Gallery.
Sunday, Nov. 10
Florida-based roots-rock band Have Gun, Will Travel will be performing two NYC shows this week with Whiskey Gentry (Nov. 8 at Pianos) and tonight at Cameo Gallery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. They're playing in support of their fourth studio album, "Fiction, Fact or Folktale?" which combines folk, pop, rock and classic country influences.
The Blow is an electronic pop duo comprised of Khaela Maricich and Melissa Dyne. The Blow has taken various incarnations over the years. It initially began as a solo project by Maricich. The band was joined for a couple of albums by Jona Bechtolt of Yacht, after which it morphed into its current shape as a true collaboration between Maricich and Dyne. At the Music Hall Of Williamsburg.
Monday, Nov. 11
Legendary Irish fuzzy pop shoegazers My Bloody Valentine finally hit NYC behind the release of their epic long-awaited third album "m b v." Produced by the band's vocalist, guitarist and sonic mastermind Kevin Shields, "m b v" is the band's first full-length release of original material since 1991's classic "Loveless." At the Hammerstein Ballroom, Midtown (Also Tuesday).
Tuesday, Nov. 12
American legend John Fogerty revisits the second Creedence Clearwater Revival album, 1969's "Bayou Country," tonight at the Beacon Theatre on the Upper West Side. Also Weds when he plays "Cosmo’s Factory" and Thurs, returning to "Bayou Country."
Former Kinks guitarist (and brother of Ray) Dave Davies plays the City Winery in TriBeCa.
