The Bright Light Social Scene will be at DC9 on Tuesday, January 17. Photograph by Shannon Soule.
Thursday, January 12
It’s 2012—remixing indie songs should be old hat by now, but somehow the Knocks, a duo out of New York, make it sound fresh. They turn Passion Pit’s “Sleepyhead” into a funky yet somehow more danceable song, and work similar magic with artists such as Ellie Goulding and the Temper Trap. Local bloggers All Things Go bring them to U Street Music Hall tonight.
The Knocks with Brenton Duvall & Magic Man, 9 PM at U Street Music Hall, $10 advance, $13 at the door.
Of Montreal are known for their insane live shows—which you’d imagine from a band which has eight people onstage. Don’t expect anything less of Yip Deceiver, the synth-driven side project featuring Of Montreal’s Davey Pierce and Nicolas Dobbratz, at Velvet Lounge tonight. Bring your dance moves.
Yip Deceiver with the Velvet Ants, the Absent Center, and Drawbridges, 9 PM at Velvet Lounge, $8.
Friday, January 13
Before Wale, there was Tabi Bonney, who spent his childhood bouncing around continents, living in Africa, Europe, and ending up in DC. He let everyone know he considers DC home with “Beat Rock,” but the former schoolteacher is finally coming into his own with his new album, The Summer Years. He’s at Black Cat tonight. Check out our interview with him here.
Tabi Bonney with DTMD, 9 PM at Black Cat, $15.
We alerted you to Thievery Corporation’s sold-out three-night stand at the 9:30 Club last week, but we’ll do it again. Go see them if you haven’t; at this point, Craigslist is your only option for tickets.
Thievery Corporation with Novalima, 8 PM at 9:30 Club, sold out.
Saturday, January 14
Even though this weekend will be their third trip to DC in the last seven months, Cults still sold out two shows at the Black Cat. That speaks to the strength of their debut, self-titled EP, a collection of 11 laid-back, sugar-sweet indie pop songs. There are still tickets floating around on Craigslist and Stubhub, so you’re not totally doomed if you didn’t buy tickets in advance.
Cults with Dirty Fences, 6 PM at Black Cat, prices vary.
Sunday, January 15
Jon Carroll has been named DC musician of the year three times. His brand of roots rock is rarely uptempo, but it’s always interesting. He plays at the Hamilton, which is quietly scooping up some pretty impressive acts.
Jon Carroll, 7:30 PM at the Hamilton, $15.
Monday, January 16
Graveyard at DC9 is pretty much your only option on MLK day; a lot of the other clubs are taking it easy. The band sounds straight out of the ’70s—playing heavy rock that won’t let up and would sound good on a bill featuring Black Sabbath.
Graveyard with Daniel Davies and Radio Moscow, 9 PM at DC9, $10.
Tuesday, January 17
Another good night for rock and roll at DC9—the Bright Light Social Hour won all kinds of awards at 2011’s SXSW, including Austin’s band of the year. They play rock, but sometimes move into funk and psychedelic music with the help of a synth.
The Bright Light Social Hour with Collin Warren, Howard Jennings, and Wise Eyes, 8 PM at DC9, $8.
Freedy Johnston has been around a long time—in 1992, his album Can You Fly was acclaimed by Rolling Stone and Spin. Since then, he hasn’t let up. In 1994, “Bad Reputation” was a minor hit, topping out at number 54 on Billboard. His last album, Rain on the City, came out in 2010.
Freedy Johnston with Flanagan Smith and Jayman, 7:30 PM at Jammin Java, $15.
Wednesday, January 18
Another day, another decent band at DC9. This time it’s He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister—folk rockers who sound like they’ve just escaped the Oregon Trail without dying of cholera. Think lots of tambourine, standup bass, and hipster outfits.
He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister with Deathblack Flowers and Henry Wolfe, 8:30 PM at DC9, $8 advance, $10 at the door.
