The Rumpus (“Whoops, There Goes Another Year” edition
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Yes, yes, let’s all agree that I suck for not having released a new Rumpus in months and just move on, shall we?
Actually, before we do so, if I may say a few words in my defense, I did go “dark” during the slowest months of the year in terms of announcements of new/worthy shows/tours, as evidenced by just how few new listings you’ll find below for the months ahead. The good news, however, is that the South-by Effect, when bands begin routing tours around SXSW in mid-March is just around the corner, so happy times will soon be here again.
Onward!
*2/1-2/2 Girl Talk @ the 9:30. The good news: Girl Talk’s new album, All Day, is available as a free-and-legal download… and it’s awesome. The bad news: Both shows sold out instantly, and nobody I know (your humble reporter, alas, included) was successful in scoring even a single ticket for either night. Here’s hoping for a ticket drop or a sighting of that rarity of rarities, a non-scumbag-wannabe-scalper surfacing on Craigslist looking to sell extras at face value. Of course, if all else fails, there are always bound to be extras floating around outside at face value on the night of the show. In the meantime, I’ll just be over here listening to All Day again… ‘cause that sucker is a guaranteed mood-enhancer. Listen to All Day - in its entirety, of course, as intended and as precision-crafted for maximum effect. (Update: Happily, since originally writing the above, I have scored a pair on Craigslist for face + fees. It’s always nice to be reminded that not everybody selling tickets there is out to gouge fans.)
2/5-2/6 Chromeo @ the 9:30. Chromeo’s set at this year’s Virgin Festival was far and away the highlight set of the festival for me. Presenting a seamless blend of some of the most infectious electronic sounds and styles of the ‘70s, ‘80s, and today, and blending it with genuine heart and soul, this Canadian duo has got it all going on. Listen to “Bonafied Lovin’” at Chromeo’s MySpace (bearing in mind that while the studio recordings are quite good, as with so many bands appearing in this space, the live show is truly where the magic is). First night sold out, but a second night has been added.
*2/13 Henry Rollins @ National Geographic Live. Celebrating his 50th birthday in the city of his birth with a pair of spoken word shows focusing (as befits the venue) on his travel adventures ‘round the globe. Alas, both shows sold out before I had a chance to act on the news that they were occurring. Looks like I’m in for another exciting round of Ticket Quest (see Girl Talk listing above). Sigh.
* 2/14 Josh Ritter @ the 9:30 Club. The anchor show for Josh’s special “Valentines Brawl” February tour, this one promises to be something special … but it’s already sold out, so if you and your baby were planning on going, I hope you got tickets already. (If not, see the Girl Talk listing above for your instructions.) Listen to “Lantern” from the latest album, or better yet, check out the video for “The Curse” and prepare to be wowed. Seriously, if you have a heart, prepare for it to melt upon viewing this video.
*2/18-2/19 Second annual Chesapeake Oyster & Beer Festival @ National Harbor. Last year’s inaugural offering was a blast, despite the too-long lines for fresh-shucked oysters, but it sounds as if they’ve straightened out the kinks and there should be smooth sailing ahead with this year’s model.
*2/19 The Downtown Fiction @ Jammin’ Java. I haven’t seen these Fairfax-based purveyors of Indie Pop Rocks since the South-by show I blogged for Twangville last year, and to say that I’m looking forward to this hometown throwdown would be an understatement. Listen to “Living Proof.” Warning: It’s so hook-filled that one might get stuck in you.
*2/25 Marshall Crenshaw @ Jammin’ Java. Billed as “An Evening with Marshall Crenshaw,” this feels like the perfect opportunity for me to reconnect with Marshall Crenshaw seeing as the last time I saw him play live was at a Q107-sponsored show at Lake Reston back in the early ‘80s back when he was a prince of power pop. Note: This is an early show with a 7:30 start, and will be over before 10 due to…
*2/25 Griffin House @ Jammin’ Java. A late show (10 p.m.) taking place at Jammin’ Java immediately following the Marshall Crenshaw gig listed above. It’s singer-songwriter night in Vienna, folks! Listen to “If You Want To,” the song of Griffin’s that caught my ear in last year’s South-by .mp3 torrent.
*3/6 The Ready Set, with the Downtown Fiction (and others) @ Rams Head Live (Baltimore). Billed as the “Glamour Kills” tour, it’s like a mini-version of the Indie Pop Rocks set referenced above that I caught in Austin last year, what with two of the three bands I saw that night performing on this bill. Check out the “Love Like Woe” video.
*3/8-3/9 The Pogues @ the 9:30 Club. Ah, ‘tis the return of one of my favorite annual traditions, the Pogues’ St. Patrick’s Day American Cash-Grab. Sláinte!
* As ever, new / modified entries are denoted with an asterisk and/or boldface, take place in the D.C. area unless otherwise noted, and if you're reading it here, it's recommended!