Ramble On... Quickly!!!

I seem to be without a lot of time for this post, which is unfortunate, as there’s a lot to talk about. I’ll make it as snappy as possible. Starting with my number one pick, and then moving quickly through my other suggestions. #1:

Thursday, August 24, 2006
Japanther
Hemlock Tavern
$7

I posted about them way back when in February, (scroll down a little on this page where you can read a preview and brief review of their shows). It’s going to be fucking rowdy and fucking great, and from what I’ve heard punk band This Bike Is a Pipe Bomb are also a great time.

Otherwise, if you’re in the mood for something a little less loud, go see Wolf Parade and Frog Eyes at the Fillmore. If you’re in the mood for something much heavier, go see Cattle Decapitation at The Pound. If the name doesn’t give you an idea of what they are going to sound like, you probably shouldn’t check them out.

Oh my god, so much to write about… Friday night brings us a great local indie show at Bottom of the Hill featuring synth-noise-rock from xbxrx and all-over-the-place-weird-but-great-rock from 7 Year Rabbit Cycle (featuring ex-members of Deerhoof). Over in the East Bay, there’s the Drones and Noise show at 21 Grand featuring Ghosting, Bonus, Axolotl and more. I think the name pretty much says it all. There’s a free show (last time I checked at least) at Thee Parkside with some local metal and hard rock, featuring Hightower and Walken.

On to Saturday night: Mix Master Mike plays Mighty. ‘Nuff said. Maybe you’ve seen Zach Galifianakis on Comedy Central. He’s got a huge beard, plays a piano and is freaking hilarious. He plays the Fillmore. South Asian classical meets electronic music collective Dhamaal drops a summer session at Club 6, with a classical/folk room and a room with banging beats and visuals. There’s some Anticon folks spinning at Madrone Lounge, and for $5, it’s a cheap option for Saturday night. One of the more expensive options for the evening, but definitely one of my top picks would be Herbert over at Mezzanine. His dance music is all over the map, but not in a Kid 606 sort of way. Herbert’s is most easily defined as “intelligent house,” perhaps? He’s playing with his very own “big band.” What the hell that means I haven’t had a chance to research, but I’m sold regardless. I played the hell out of his next to last album when it was in currents at the station, so that should be enough for you.

Finally, almost there. Sunday: Get off your ass and head over to my radio station and support us by going to the KUSF Rock and Swap. A bunch of vendors get tables and sell music-related merchandise. It’s mostly vinyl, but there’s also paraphernalia and some used CDs. Definitely for the vinyl freaks out there. I picked up some great stuff last time and will do so again this time. It costs $15 to get in between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., then it’s only $3. And all that money helps KUSF stay on the air. OK. To wrap up, the experimental music freaks should head to the Hemlock on Sunday to see Ghosting, Bonus, Axolotol and Tom Carter with Inca Ore. The metalheads, on the other hand should go see Venom, Devildriver, Goatwhore and High on Fore at the Fillmore.

Decide for yourself, folks. There’s always so much to do in this city, so just get out and do something. I promise next week will be pretty bad too. Those three day weekends often make matters worse.