Monday, Feb. 7: Rooney with Eisley and The Chapin Sisters at Mad Planet, 8 p.m. ($15)
Although the sunny southern California power-pop of Rooney will certainly come as a welcome respite from the brutal Wisconsin winter weather, the real act to see here is Eisley. This four-piece group of siblings from Tyler, Texas, excels at crafting breathtaking alternative music powered by whimsically soaring harmonies and gorgeous instrumentals that effortlessly run the gamut from foreboding to saccharine.
(533 E. Center St., Mad-Planet.net)
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| Wavves. Photo courtesy Lauren Dukoff. |
Thursday, Feb. 10: Best Coast with Wavves and No Joy at Turner Hall, 8 p.m. ($18.50)
Keeping the so-Cal vibe rolling, indie-beach rockers Best Coast and noise-poppers Wavves bring their upbeat and uber-hip stylings to Turner Hall Ballroom. These two have cashed in as much as anyone on the recent trend of companies using indie pop songs as a means of showing the “kids” how “groovy” they are, including writing songs for Converse and Target.
(1032 N. Fourth St., PabstTheater.org)
MUSIC NOTES SHOW OF THE WEEK
Friday, Feb. 11: All Tiny Creatures with Conrad Plymouth, Canyons of Static and Peter J. Woods at Borg Ward Collective, 9 p.m. ($5)
All Tiny Creatures, the latest project from ex-Collections of Colonies of Bees member Thomas Wincek, has quickly shot up my list of most intriguing local acts. The ambient-electronica sound with just enough edge makes for an intensely fulfilling set, especially when teamed up with other great acts such as Conrad Plymouth and Canyons of Static. (823 W. National Ave., theborgward.org)
Also: The Wailers at The Rave, 8 p.m. ($24)
Yes, this is The Wailers of Bob Marley and The Wailers fame. No, its makeup does not come close to resembling the original lineup from the days of backing up the unquestioned king of reggae. Yes, they still put on an upbeat show featuring some of the legend’s greatest hits. No, we are not recommending that you sneak pot into The Rave to more fully appreciate this show. Yes, a hollowed out cigarette can provide a very serviceable place of storage. (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
Also: Arlo Guthrie at Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. ($28-$98)
When your dad wrote such timeless classics as “This Land is Your Land” and “So Long (It’s Been Good to Know Yuh),” a guy could be forgiven if his musical accolades didn’t quite amount to those of his father. This hasn’t seemed to bother Arlo Guthrie, son of the legendary Woody, who has done well to mold an impressive legacy of his own while following in his dad’s folk footsteps. (929 N. Water St., marcuscenter.org)
Also: The Godfathers at Club Garibaldi, 9 p.m.
(2501 S. Superior St., MySpace.com/ClubGaribaldis)
Saturday, Feb. 12: Burning Sons with Bored Straight, Shroud of Dependency and Razorfist at Borg Ward Collective, 7 p.m. ($5)
The Burning Sons may be rather new to the Milwaukee hardcore scene, but they are by no means rookies. Composed of Dan DuChaine and Carl Steinhagen of Speedfreaks, Matt Budda of Test-Site and Dillon Hallen of Cry Coyote, the Sons have been so well-received since joining the fray that legendary ’80s indie label Mystic Records opened up shop for the first time in 20 years to release the band’s 7-inch. (823 W. National Ave., theborgward.org)
Also: Robyn with Diamond Rings and Natalia Kills at The Rave, 7:30 p.m. ($21.50)
Remember the song “Show Me Love” by Robyn? Yeah, I really don’t either. It turns out this Swedish songstress has come a long way since her early pop flash-in-the-pan days to become an accomplished artist and performer. Who knew?
(2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., TheRave.com)
Also: The Danglers at Circle-A Café, 8 p.m.
This is actually night two of a three-night, weekend-long engagement at the Circle-A for The Danglers. So you have no excuse not to check out at least one night!
(932 E. Chambers St., circle-a-cafe.org)
Also: Cheap Trick at Northern Lights Theater at Potawatomi Bingo Casino, 8 p.m. ($65 – $85)
Sweet merciful crap, this goes on for another two weeks?! (1721 W. Canal St., paysbig.com)
Also: Purgatory Hill with Early Thomas and the Tyranny of Evil Men at Shank Hall, 8 p.m. ($7)
(1434 N. Farwell Ave., shankhall.com)
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| Photo courtesy Jaret Ferratusco from Corpse on Pumpkin Photography. |
Sunday, Feb. 13: Unwed Sailor at Mad Planet, 8 p.m. ($10)
Moody and brooding, danceable and energetic, melodic and haunting, Unwed Sailor has pushed the boundaries of ambient instrumental music for more than a decade. Live, it is a spectacle to behold.
(533 E. Center St., Mad-Planet.net)
