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For each of the last few weeks, I’ve noticed something … it’s August. The dog days are keeping things at a pretty slow pace, so there isn’t much to write home about this upcoming week. That said, there are still a few gems.
Friday | 8.18.06
Concert. 
The bill at New Brunswick’s Court Tavern tonight seems like it pairs some odd acts together at first. But after listening a little more carefully, the math-metal, post-hardcore of Rapid Cities, progressive art metal of Day Without Dawn, and the spacey indie rock of Delft all can be linked together, not only by their NJ roots, but by impeccable musicianship, tight songs, and original thinking about songwriting. All three of these bands are great, and they are playing with Estella, who I couldn’t track down through the internets, though I found a review of their CD that compared them to Godspeed! You Black Emperor, for what’s that worth. This all gets started at 9 pm at the Court.
Concert. 
From what I can tell, Shirk Circus hasn’t done much since the 90s. Their most recent album, Words to Say, came out in 94. But it looks like they’re back, and that’s a good thing. When I read in their bio that the original members met in the Ween section of a record store, I expected some whacked-out drug rock that’d either be brilliant or only cool if you were high too. What I found, though, is good, tight power pop songs, perhaps under the influence (check the art), perhaps not. The point being, the songs stand for themselves. The vocalist reminds me of Elvis Costello, not in his voice, but in his phrasing. Of course, they could sound totally different now, 12 years on – but it’s worth finding out. The opening band, The Bronze Episode, should make it worth your while also. They play an orchestral, electronic indie pop that somehow manages to seem heavy, not twee. For some reason, when I was listening, I kept thinking they were fronted by Tim Kasher from Cursive. But they’re not. If all else fails, they’ve got a three-piece string section (cello, viola, and violin) to observe. The Match Party is opening this show, which is at Maxwell’s.
Wednesday | 8.23.06
Forum. 
City Belt is co-sponsoring another in the series of forums on the Iraq War tonight. “If Not Now, When?” will look at exit strategies for the US, and should be subtitled “The Congressional Panel” – the speakers are US Reps. Rothman (D-9) and Holt (D-12), plus the congressional candidate in the 5th District, Paul Aronsohn. The event is being organized by Hudson County Democracy for America and Bergen Grassroots, groups even more energized after Ned Lamont’s victory in Connecticut. It’s at the Edgewater Community Center at 7 pm. You can RSVP here.
Concert. 
In a New York Times interview I read recently with Jim James of My Morning Jacket, he name-dropped Scott Carney, a Louisville musician who had recorded this amazing album, playing every instrument by himself. Well, Scott Carney has recruited two band members, and, in the spirit of democracy, they’ve changed their name to Wax Fang. I don’t think you’ll hear music like this being made many places today. Comparisons abound – from Bowie to Destroyer to the Flaming Lips to the Dresden Dolls even – but none will do these future-glam songs with cinematic flourishes justice. They play at Maxwell’s tonight.
Thanks as always for the tips, City Belt. Just one question: where is this record store that has a "Ween section"? I want to go there.
Posted by: Shane Smith | 08/21/2006 at 03:16 PM
Of that I'm not sure -- it may only be in someone's brain.
Posted by: Editor | 08/21/2006 at 03:21 PM